What's on in Derbyshire

Chatsworth Horse Trials

May 2009 (annual)

Cost: Various

Chatsworth, stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, welcomes the best riders in the country every May to compete in its three-day event. Testing both rider and steed to their limits, it makes for a great day out.

Rider and horse must show their skills in the dressage competition, complete a gruelling cross-country course and demonstrate their accuracy and control in the final show-jumping event. Novice riders compete on the first day and advanced riders on the second. In total more than 600 take part and the event attracts 10,000 people over the course of the weekend.

The best way to enjoy the event is to go along on either of the days to see the riders leap five-foot brush hedges and scale huge timber fences. Walk the course and you get plenty of fresh air, some invigorating exercise and the chance to check out the northern country scene. Bring your Barbour and your green wellies.

What's more, you may even get to enjoy outdoor works of art, as every year Chatsworth commissions a notable artist to design one of the jumps. Past contributors have included Royal Academician Allen Jones.

Chatsworth House