APRIL: BELTON HORSE TRIALS
This was our first Belton! Trade is quiet and much time is spent on how Charlie’s hibernation has been! In truth it’s not just Dubarrys’ Charlie that has been hibernating. Even Alistair from Urchin has been known to take a few days off during the winter and emerges once again full of enthusiasm for his very exciting British brand. The whole equestrian set has been waiting for this moment to emerge into the first signs of spring. It was our first but not our last Belton. The Belton Shoe had to be Deal in Mahogany.
APRIL: BASC GAMEKEEPERS FAIR
APRIL: WORLD OF THE HORSE, BADMINTON
With Easter falling as late in the year (the latest it’s been in the last 43 years) were hopeful of at least more clement weather than the year previous which included some delightful cross country day downpours. Successfully set up on Wednesday in the Horse Village, Badminton next to the World of the Horse, we embarked on our fifth trading session.
MAY: CHATSWORTH HORSE TRIALS, CHATSWORTH HOUSE
For us, Chatsworth remains one of our firm favourites despite a propensity to be somewhat damp over the past few years. Nestled in the grounds of Chatsworth House, the beautiful parklands attracted bumper crowds throughout the two day event. The weather promised to be changeable but aside from one or two short lived showers all was well, though those under canvas and sleeping on the trade stands reported rather chilly conditions at night. For us one of the high points of the weekend was our experience at Grattan Grange farm B&B just outside the village of Elton. Harry and Penny our hosts entertained us wonderfully with superb breakfasts and a wonderful chicken casserole dinner on the Saturday evening. The Chatsworth Champion was without doubt Cavendish.