Hickstead

Hi all - been a little while sorry. I have been away since Thursday with the Family in Chepstow Wales for my sister who was competing all weekend with the horses Show Jumping. Plus whilst we were away it was my Birthday so a very busy, tiring, exciting and fun 4 days for us. Now I am back I can tell you all about it.

But first this post is about what I did the weekend before that I have to share with you all. 

Some of you may of heard of Hickstead, but for others it is a big  international showjumping competition like Olympia but outside. They have a couple over the summer, this was the big derby one this weekend. It's over the whole weekend, but we went Sunday for the class of the year the Derby. 

The Equestrian.com Derby is one of the most famous equestrian events in the world. It is the only competition that sees riders take on the front descent of the infamous Derby Bank, the biggest of its kind to be found anywhere in the world. It is an iconic event, the course itself is as famous as the horses and riders that embark upon it. No other event in the world tests the rider and horse and no other course creates this type of drama, its a nail biting and I love it.

We were lucky with the weather sunny all day. 

Here it is the infamous bank....

Can just about see them jumping at the top of the bank, not the best colour horse for this shot, dark bay.

Quick check before the dreading drop down the bank. 

Made it down, and clearing the jump at the end nicely. 

Different view of the bank, where they go up the bank. 

On top of the stunning horses and amazing talent, there is also great food and Pimms plus unbelievable shopping, which my sisters LOVES, Dad not so ;)

Getting ready to go in, oh and this is the one who won the event Irish Trevor Breen, his talented horse only has one eye, couple of years ago he had to have it removed due to medical reasons, they say he jumps even better now. Amazing isn't it.  It was a tense finish it went to a jump off between two GB rider who was the defending Champion and these guys.

 It was a great day, hot, sunny, a lot of shopping and wonderful show jumping, highly recommend going to this one year. Even if you are not horsey or into equestrian it is still a great day out and anyone can appreciate and admire what these horses and riders do.