Month: April 2019

Kelsey Eliot Putting in the Miles for the Mongol Derby

kelsey eliot

The most important thing in preparing for the world’s longest horse race in hours is the saddle. There’s no way to prepare for 1,000 km before I get there, so long days will just have to do! As the days tick down closer and closer to the Mongol Derby, I am riding as much as possible.

My big milestone in prepping is an upcoming trip to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. I will be spending a week in the area, riding all day every day, starting with a 25 mile endurance ride on the first day. This solid week of riding will be a great way for me to gauge how far along I am in my training and how far I still need to go.

Getting the horses in shape for the ride at Biltmore is a challenge, especially this early in the season—the weather is less than cooperative. Long, slow hill work and lots of trotting is the start of getting fit, and then adding either distance or speed each ride, but never both at the same time.

It goes without saying that my Endurance chaps from Just Chaps are one thing I don’t need to worry about – they do the job perfectly.

I’m looking forward to the trip—keep an eye out for updates on how it goes!

 

For more information about the riding chaps used by Kelsey Eliot, get in touch today.

Badminton Horse Trials 2019

Badminton 2

Badminton remains one of the most prestigious horse trials in the world and preparations are now well underway for this year’s event. Many visitors come back year after year to not only enjoy world class competition but to shop until they drop at the hundreds of varied exhibitors, all set in the historic parkland of Badminton House.

Where to stay for the Badminton Horse trials

This year the main event runs from Wednesday 1st May to Sunday 5th May and whether you are planning on a day trip or a long weekend, there is a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. If you fancy the ultimate Badminton experience, try out the campsite or if you fancy something a little more quirky, you could sign up for their glamping site, which is new for 2019 and located in the heart of the action at Huntmans Close.

Course walk with Lucinda Green

Lucinda Green, six-time winner of this iconic title, will be giving a course walk, so why not book yourself on and enjoy her knowledge and insights on how to ride the cross country course – the fences look a lot bigger when you are up close…

Food on offer at Badminton Horse Trials

The food on sale at the Horse Trials is truly fantastic and whatever you fancy it will be available, from a sit down meal with wine and waiter service to Asian street food and candy floss, or why not bring a picnic and enjoy the fabulous setting while you take a break?

Event information and where to find our stall

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable so don’t forget you can get four seasons in one day. The solution is to layer up and bring a rucksack to carry your extras, such as hats, gloves and suntan lotion.

Take a look at the Badminton Horse Trials website for news, entries, directions, tickets and much more.

This is the first main event of the season and is one of our favourites, so please drop in and see us at our stand and take a look at our new generation leather half chaps, if you mention this blog you’ll get 10% off.

The History of the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Royal Windsor Horse Show

Largest equestrian event in the UK

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is held each year during May on the Queen’s estate with the castle as its stunning backdrop. From humble beginnings, the show is now the largest equestrian event in the UK with international competitions in four different disciplines: show jumping, dressage, carriage driving and endurance.

Charitable equestrian event

In 1943, Count Robert Orssich and Mr Geoffrey Cross organised the first Royal Windsor Horse Show, which was originally called The Windsor Horse and Dog Show, to raise funds for the war effort. It was attended by all the key members of the Royal Family including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret. Princess Elizabeth already a keen horsewoman won the Pony and Dogcart class at the first show. The inaugural show helped the Royal Borough raise over £390,000, enough money to buy 78 Typhoon fighter aircrafts.

Dogs banned due to chicken theft

Dogs were banned from the show as a result of a lurcher stealing a piece of chicken from the King’s plate in 1943. Despite this, the show expanded rapidly, extending to two day in 1946, three days in 1947, four days in 1967 and five days in 1977.

Royal Windsor Horse Show attended by visitors from around the world

The Royal Windsor Horse Show continues to attract visitors from not only London and the home counties but from all over the world and is still attended by the members of the Royal Family, as they continue to be keen supporters.

 

For more information on equestrian shows or riding gear, get in touch today.