Zara Tindall will be competing at The Festival of British Eventing,  which takes place from Friday 5 - Sunday 7 August at Gatcombe Park.

Zara has entered The British Open Championship incorporating the Event Rider Masters on her two horses; 16.1hh gelding High Kingdom and 16.1hh gelding Watkins, this Championship sees many top horse and rider combinations keen to win this prestigious title.

A stone’s throw from Gatcombe Park is the base for Zara’s horses, making The Festival of British Eventing particularly special for this esteemed rider. As a former World Champion Zara is no stranger to the pressure of these top class events and will be a strong contender in both her classes this year.

The Festival takes place over three days in the spectacular setting of Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, home of HRH The Princess Royal and will host four prestigious Championships; The British Open Championship incorporating the Event Rider Masters, The Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championship, The Dodson & Horrell British Novice Championship and The TopSpec Challenge for The Corinthian Cup, a National Restricted Novice Championship. These classes will see leading professional riders, including last year’s British Novice and Intermediate Champion Oliver Townend, as well as Laura Collett and Francis Whittington pitted against each other in an attempt to lift these prestigious trophies.

Tim Henson, Event Director, said: “We are delighted that Zara Tindall is competing in this year’s British Open Championship. It looks like a very competitive competition and we wish all competitors the very best of luck.”

The Festival boasts some exciting changes on the cross country course this year such as the new water complex at Avening Banks, which all classes, except The Corinthian Cup Championship, will ride through twice. Also, Captain Mark Phillips, Cross Country Course Designer and Co-Chairman has changed the course so that competitors in The British Open Championship will spend more time riding in the Park Bowl where the track runs alongside HRH The Princess Royal’s Gatcombe Park house.

New arena attractions will also keep audiences entertained; the Devils Horseman Cossacks will thrill crowds with their athleticism, their performances giving an insight into the extreme riding techniques used by the Mongol Cavalry in the winter invasion of Russia. With involvement in TV series such as Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones the riders and horses are no strangers to the stage. Coupled with a desire for danger the stunt riders will be looking to put on a memorable show in the Main Arena throughout the weekend.

Festival favourites return with the excitement of the Shetland Pony Grand National, Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) showing classes and Scurry Driving competitions, the beautiful Dressage to Music Display and ever popular Hound Parade.

The Harringtons Arena, located close to the hub of the event, will host the inaugural Pony Club Mounted Games over the weekend. There will also be ‘Have a Go’ dog agility alongside a Fun Dog Show taking place in the Fun Zone. Furthermore, The Pony Club Team Show Jumping competition, sponsored by BETA, is back by popular demand.

The Festival is well known for its shopping and this year is no exception. The tented village will see over 120 exhibitors selling products from Land Rovers to bespoke jewellery and everything you, your horse or dog could desire! Last year’s Festival Food Walk was a great success and this year sees its return, with hungry Festival goers able to purchase food and drink from around the world, ranging from speciality teas to truckles of cheese. The Rural Crafts tent is not to be missed, offering inspiring natural ideas for both home and garden.

This year is set to be even better than ever with so much entertainment on offer, a weekend not to be missed. Remember to take advantage of advance ticket prices by visiting our online box office at: www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk.