Bicton Arena, the leading equestrian venue in Devon is delighted to be hosting an annual International Horse Trials, on May 25 – 28.

After hosting one off replacement events in 2021 at four-star and five-star level after the unprecedented cancellations of both Bramham Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials due to the pandemic, the team and thrilled to be awarded a regular competition up to CCI4* level in May.

Bicton Arena is part of the Clinton Devon Estate the home of Lord and Lady Clinton. The Estate is 10,000 hectares and a wide portfolio of in hand and tenanted farmland, forestry, Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve, Residential Property, Commercial Property and Energy production. Bicton Arena welcomes a footfall in excess of 75,000 to its venue every year, from amateurs to World-Class riders who enjoy a packed timetable of activities.

We spoke to Bicton Arena’s Manager Andrew Fell to find out what it’s like to organise an International Horse Trials.

What are the most important factors in running an International event?

The seven P’s: Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Pretty Poor Performance! This is only possible by having a great team around you. Bicton has gone from running low level events to the highest level, internationally with the five-star in 2021, we have only achieved this because of the team that we have. This not just the full time team who work tirelessly throughout the year, we couldn’t do it without the team who come to the events to work or volunteer. It is Neil who runs the parking who knows all the regulars, to Julie who runs the collecting rings, to Mary who has organised the Fence Judges for the last 30 years at Bicton - the team makes it work.

How long does it take to organise a four star?

That is a good question, the answer is seven weeks! Well, that is what we had back in June 2021, but that was an exceptional year, many events did not run due to Covid-19, mainly due to not being able to change their business model to make it stack up without spectators. Realistically it takes about six months, we run several major competitions at Bicton from May to October, the summer is busy so during the winter we are planning and booking.

What makes Bicton Arena a special place for the event?

It is one of the most beautiful venues in the world, where else is there world class equestrian facilities in Grade 1 parkland? The park was designed by William Sawrey Gilpin in early 1800’s, he was an English artist and drawing master, and in later life a landscape designer. We are also surrounded by the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve the largest piece of lowland heath in Devon, famous for Triassic geology, Night Jars and the iconic Iron age Hillfort, Woodbury Castle.

What are the top things for spectators to see at the event?

Olympians! The event will have the highest number of Olympians at one event in the South West. Some of the most elegant, athletic and majestic horses will be showing what they are made of in all three phases, dressage, show jumping and exciting cross country through the beautiful Bicton parkland. We will also have a large tradestand area and the best of the South West’s catering.

How is the Horse Trials team working with the estate to make it as sustainable as possible?

Sustainability is a challenge that we all need to grasp, at Bicton we are very mindful of our impact on the environment. As part of the Estates Net Zero Carbon target by 2030, sustainability is part of every decision we make. We utilise timber from the Estate to build our cross country course and cut birch from the National Nature Reserve for our brush fences. All of the horse manure that is produced from on site stabling is used to fertilise the ground at Bicton and on parts of the Clinton Devon Estates farms.

What elements of the Horse Trials impact on the wider estate and how do you work together?

We all work together to make this happen, from the finance team who deal with all of the monies, the forestry team who supply us with timber, the farm who we share grass management equipment with, the Pebblebed heaths where we get our birch from, Property and land who do all our site mapping, business support who help with everything IT and the mountain of deliveries pre and during the event, and finally the family who have been huge supports of all equestrian sport by allowing competitions to run at Bicton for the last 50 years.

What brings equestrian athletes to Bicton?

The event is a must in the eventing calendar, it is part of the pathway to not only Badminton and Burghley but also to the Paris Olympics, being held at the jaw dropping palace at Versailles. It is a destination event that many aspire to, our sport is unlike many, you can find yourself, as an amateur competing against some of the best in the world such as William Fox-Pitt or the world number one and two husband and wife team Tim and Jonelle Price.

Can spectators bring their dog in May?

Yes, it rare to see a horse without a dog. Dogs are welcome but must be kept like a budget, on a short lead!

To find out more about Bicton Arena, its Horse Trials and sponsorship opportunities visit the website www.bicton-arena.co.uk. Tickets are now on sale for the International Horse Trials in May and can be purchased on the Bicton Arena website.