We're now just one week away from the start of our competition season, with things getting underway with the I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival. Excitingly, we've got some big names entered in this British Dressage Premier League, including some Olympic megastars! Scroll down to find out who is coming. 

As the show season begins, it's time to draw our cross-country and showjumping schooling to a close. We wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who came down to use the facilities over the winter, and for sharing all your fabulous photos and videos on social media. We're glad so many of you have had fun and educational outings at our facilities. 

With the 60th Al Shira'aa Derby looming ever closer, we bring you the next part of our Hickstead Derby recap, as we look back at the years 1967 to 1973. Have you booked your tickets for this year's show yet?

Olympic gold medallists Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin are among entries at next week’s I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival (12-15 May). Charlotte Dujardin, a multiple world record-holder, former Olympic, World and European champion and Britain’s most successful dressage rider of all time, is due to compete in the Prix St Georges and Intermediate I classes. She is bringing two horses from her hugely exciting string of equine talent, Alive And Kicking and Hilius. 

All eyes will be on one of Charlotte’s most famous former rides – her Tokyo Olympic mount Gio (pictured above). The bronze medal-winning horse was recently sold to young rider Annabella Pidgley, and the pair are due to compete in the under-25 Grand Prix as well as the Intermediate II.

The feature classes are the LeMieux Premier League FEI Grand Prix on Saturday and the I.C.E Horseboxes Premier League FEI Grand Prix Special on Sunday - find out who will be joining Carl Hester in the battle for honours. And don't forget, admission and parking is free for spectators! 

Book your place in the Laurent Perrier Club, offering excellent views of the action plus a private champagne bar and deli cafe. 

Duralock has signed a deal with Hickstead to become an official supplier for our British Dressage Premier League show.

By 1967, the Hickstead Derby was firmly established as one of the most popular - and coveted - classes in the showjumping calendar. That year the title went to perhaps the most beloved combination of all time - Marion Coakes (later Mould) and the diminutive but lion-hearted Stroller. Remarkably, the pair jumped three clear rounds in the Derby, but only lifted the trophy once. 

Marion's win was the start of a run of female dominance in the Derby, and in 1968 Alison Westwood had the first of two wins with The Maverick III, a horse originally ridden by Derby founder Douglas Bunn! Interestingly, by the time the pair won their second Derby in 1973, The Maverick had been renamed Mr Banbury for sponsorship reasons, and Alison had married and become Mrs Dawes! A year later, Anneli Drummond-Hay won on Xanthos. Anneli was formerly an eventer, winning the first Burghley before switching to showjumping and having incredible success. 

In 1971 and 1972 we had the first back-to-back winner. After winning with Mattie Brown, Harvey was so sure of retaining his title he didn't bring the trophy back with him the following year. Douglas Bunn was not amused, and insisted the trophy be sent for. When Harvey did indeed better Steven Hadley in the jump-off, he put two fingers up at Douglas in what was allegedly a 'V for victory' salute! 

A ticket to the Riders’ Club gives you full access for the day to this exclusive but informal lounge. After you have hit the shops and need a space to relax, head to the Riders’ Club for a drink and a buffet lunch. £45 per person.

John Whitaker is on the list of selected riders for Britain's first leg of the Longines FEI Nations Cup™ in St Gallen - find out who else is joining him. 

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Entries close 30 May 2022