Blenheim Horse Trials 2007

Blenheim Palace certainly provides an awe-inspiring back drop to the dressage and show jumping phases of this international equestrian event which takes place each year on the 'South Lawn' - by kind invitation of His Grace the Duke of Marlborough.

Wendy and I were once again exhibiting our range of gold and silver jewellery in the shopping marquees set up alongside the main eventing ring. The weather was perfect and a good crowd attended the event particularly over the weekend when, like Burghley, the cross country proved to be a very popular attraction.

The Blenheim Horse Trials started in 1990 and has become one of the most prestigious sporting events on the international calendar. Most people regard the sport of 'horse trials' - or 'eventing' as it is correctly termed- as the ultimate challenge in horsemanship because both horse and rider are required to fulfill three distinct phases within the same competition: dressage, cross country and show jumping. The dressage is judged subjectively with the horse and rider performing a series of movements and changes of pace. It requires a huge amount of preparation and the rider must maximise the horse's strong paces and disguise its weaknesses. The showjumping and cross country events are judged objectively as there is a clear winner. It is of course the cross country 'phase' for which the sport is best known and most riders regard this as the ultimate achievement within the competition.

Eventing has been part of the Olympic movement since 1912 and it originated in Continental Europe by cavalry officers as an entertaining and useful way to train chargers. The sport took off in Britain largely due to the late Duke of Beaufort who, in 1949, created the Badminton Horse Trials (an important event we also attend earlier in the year).

This sport is unusual in that 'professionals' and 'amateurs' compete against each other at all levels. It is not unknown for a one horse rider with a full time job to compete and beat an Olympic rider with a string of international horses!

This year's worthy winner was Great Britain's Chris King on 'The Secret Weapon', with Kristina Cook taking second place on 'Miner's Frolic' and New Zealand rider, Andrew Nicholson, taking third place on 'Armada'.

Lowther Horse Driving Trials

Lorenzo - the 'Flying Frenchman'

"What's it like to be on the country fair circuit during the summer?"

... a question we're often asked by those curious to know what its like exhibiting our range of silver and gold jewellery at large rural events around the country. There is no finer example - to illustrate these fascinating country fairs - than the 'Lowther Horse Driving Trials' held last weekend in the Lake District.

This non profit making 'charitable' event is held on the breathtakingly beautiful grounds of the Lowther Estate in Cumbria. Marquees and eventing rings are set up on the rolling green countryside that stretches out in front of Lowther Castle culminating in a gurgling brook nestled in the valley not far below.

In addition to the carriage driving events that form the main attraction, there are other equestrian competitions and country pursuits including demonstrations in fly fishing, the use of gun dogs, the hunting hounds and falconry to name but a few. One of the most spectacular attractions this year, however, was the awe inspiring talents demonstrated by Lorenzo in his magical performance with horses. He enthralled the crowds with his amazing stunts whilst standing on the backs of eight stallions! (I was pleased with the photographic opportunities his act presented and feature a great shot of him - taken with my new Nikon camera. If you want to see a great film demonstrating his talents click on the main photo of him above ... it's well worth watching).

We were particularly pleased that the weather turned out so well over the weekend, despite the forecasts! We enjoyed sunshine and blue skies for most of the time and just the occasional light shower and cloud cover in the early morning. The organisers of the Lowther event have taken the sensible precaution of 'restricting' the catering by excluding the usual suppliers of over priced hamburgers and hot dogs. Perhaps the biggest hit was this outside 'pizza diner' offering freshly made pizzas cooked in a wood fired oven. It was as much fun watching as it was eating the pizzas!

The skydiving event was somewhat distressing as the first man down hit an airless pocket shortly before landing and instead of slowing down he came in so hard he literally bounced! An ambulance was called in as he wasn't moving but, to the relief of the crowd, his injuries were limited to a broken or possibly severely sprained ankle.

Paul Wright Jewellery was here!

If you weren't able to attend the Lowther Driving Trials this year I hope you will have enjoyed a glimpse of the fun that was had at this three day event. I end with a photograph of Wendy on our trade stand. As always we were located in the prestigious 'Rural Crafts' pavilion. Our display of silver and gold jewellery was well received and I am pleased to say that if you missed us there all is not lost. Simply click on the image of our stand and you can have a glimpse of the contents!

Photography by Paul Wright. All rights reserved 2007