Are You Up For The Challenge?

The Dodson & Horrell Eventer Challenge classes are a highlight of Blenheim Horse Trials for grassroots riders. Discover what’s involved and pick up some handy tips from top event riders.

If you love showjumping and cross-country, why not combine the two by taking part in an arena eventing competition?

This type of class has become hugely popular in recent years and involves jumping a course of show jumps, which are immediately followed by cross-country style fences. Sometimes, the last fence is a show jump that comes right at the end of the cross-country phase, to really test rider control and accuracy!

The classes are sometimes run on grass, sometimes on a surface and may even be indoors. Some of the most popular are run at top events, including Blenheim Horse Trials.

SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has led the way in giving amateur riders the chance to compete in the unique atmosphere of one of Britain’s biggest and most prestigious horse trials alongside their sporting heroes. Among the amateur classes at Blenheim are the Dodson & Horrell Eventer Challenges, with classes at 90cm and 100cm level, and Pony Club and Riding Club team competitions at 90cm and 100cm level.

The classes are arena-based challenges in which riders must negotiate both cross country fences and show jumps.