Blenheim Palace to Host Prestigious Equestrian
Champion ship This Autumn

This year’s Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, taking place from 18–21 September 2025, will play host to the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship, marking the Championship’s return to British soil for the first time since Blair Castle a decade ago. It also marks twenty years since the Championship was last held at Blenheim Palace, an iconic venue within the world of British Eventing.
The trials promise four days of elite equestrian sport at all levels. As competitors from across Europe converge on the Palace’s historic South Lawn, the stage is set for a truly world-class sporting spectacle. Blenheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a beautiful, with its sweeping Capability Brown parklands providing the perfect canvas for challenging cross country routes and elegant dressage arenas.

The last time Blenheim hosted the European Championship in 2005, it saw a memorable team gold for Great Britain, with Zara Tindall capturing the individual title aboard Toytown. Now, two decades later, the 2025 Championship promises to create new legends as the continent’s top combinations compete for national and individual honours across the sport of Eventing. The championship itself, held biennially since 1953, remains one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.

While the headline class will draw considerable attention, the 2025 event also places emphasis on the future of the sport with the return of the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 year old class. A highly anticipated class, it has long been a proving ground for upcoming horses and riders since its inception. The class offers a vital opportunity for young horses and new partnerships to gain experience under championship-level conditions. It’s also a rare chance for spectators to witness early performances from horses that often go on to achieve five-star and national success, with past winners including multiple five-star winner Ballaghmor Class and double Badminton champion Lordships Graffalo, both of whom are household names on the international circuit.
Following in reverse to the European schedule, with the show jumping on the Saturday and cross country on the Sunday, visitors are guaranteed a weekend packed with top-level sport from start to finish. Another highlight returning to Blenheim is the much-loved evoke™ Eventer Challenge, a showcase for grassroots riders representing Pony Clubs and Riding Clubs across the country. This hybrid of cross country and show jumping continues to be one of the most inclusive and dynamic features of the event. Supported this year by evoke™ as Official Safety Partner, it’s not only a celebration of community participation but also a testament to growing standards in safety and sportsmanship throughout all levels of eventing.
Aside from the thrilling sport, there is plenty to offer around the Palace. The Shopping Village will host over 200 trade stands, featuring a wide array of equestrian brands, luxury lifestyle products, artisanal crafts, sustainable fashion, and gourmet food and drink. Whether you’re searching for a gift, something for your four-legged friend, or the latest in country-side fashion and rider wear, the breadth and quality of retail offerings are set to impress. For a quintessentially British touch, Fortnum & Mason picnic hampers can be pre-ordered, making for a glorious lunch near the cross country course or overlooking the lakeside.

Families attending the horse trials will discover a wide range of experiences designed for all ages, ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable and memorable day out. There will be plenty of entertainment on offer, from riding in Mini-Rovers to watching the thrilling Shetland Grand National, and even getting a panoramic view of the ground from the giant wheel. On Saturday, there is also a special opportunity for younger fans to enjoy a meet and greet with beloved children’s author and equestrian YouTube star, ThisEsme, and rumour has it renowned influencer Meg Elphick will be making an appearance over the weekend too.
For those wanting to extend the fun and make a holiday of the event, both camping and glamping options are still available. Glamping through Green Yurts provides a unique and comfortable stay, including access to complimentary breakfast each morning, a fully licensed bar, and a selection of delicious food options available on site throughout the day and into the evening. Guests can also enjoy private, high-quality facilities and will be in close proximity to all the action, making it the ideal base for anyone looking to enjoy a week of sport.
Viewing options have also been thoughtfully designed to suit a range of preferences. Spectators can choose from traditional grandstand seating in the main arena, ideal for watching the technical elements of dressage and show jumping, or opt for a more casual experience with lakeside parking, offering an up-close vantage point of the cross country course. For those seeking something truly special, the VIP Pavilion delivers a premium hospitality package including gourmet catering, exceptional views, and a relaxing environment to entertain guests or enjoy the event with family and friends.
Whether you're following your national team, discovering young talent, exploring trade stands, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the experience of attending is likely to be as unforgettable as the venue itself.
For tickets, hospitality, and the latest schedule updates, visit:
www.bpiht.co.uk.
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