Upcoming Years 2020 and Beyond
We enjoy looking ahead and planning our future programs, hopefully destinations and equestrian events that will interest and excite you. There are major competitions and places we haven’t seen as of yet and others that really deserve a return visit and an opportunity for new Equestrian Tours travelers to explore with us. Our plans include …
Badminton Horse Trials – Anticipated dates: May 2 – 11, 2020
It has been several years since we have taken in the Badminton Horse Trials, set on the grounds of the Duke of Beaufort’s estate. As always, our program will include Member’s privileges, with the Member’s tent providing private bars and dining options as well as closed circuit television (great on XC day), reserved seats for show jumping and perhaps a chance to visit the Beaufort Kennels (pending Master’s approval).
In 2020 we plan on spending 8 nights in the Cotswolds, allowing time to visit in the area, including a planned visit to the gardens at Highgrove House, home of Prince Charles and Lady Camellia. (Gardens are open during the week on a limited basis).
Aachen Equestrian Festival – Anticipated dates: July 11 – 20, 2020
The Aachen Equestrian Festival or CHIO as they call it locally, is the finest equestrian event held annually anywhere! Each year it offers Nations Cup Dressage, Show Jumping and Driving, as well as a 3* horse trial.
Because of the popularity of the festival, we purchase our tickets the day they go on sale and therefore have a very limited capacity on our program. We encourage those interested to reserve early. We offer the option of either Dressage season tickets, with opening ceremonies and jumping on Tuesday and closing ceremonies on Sunday with the Grand Prix of Aachen; or Show Jumping season tickets with the Dressage Freestyle on Sunday morning. It either case you have access to all phases of the Eventing and Driving competitions.
Blenheim Palace Horse Trials – Anticipated dates: September 12 – 21, 2020
We have always wanted to attend the Horse Trials at Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The home and grounds create a magnificent setting for the event. We plan on touring the Palace and extensive grounds prior to the event.
Our accommodations will be in nearby Oxford, where we will also have a chance to visit the colleges and town (home of “Chief Inspector Morse”). As usual we will be including member’s privileges (referred to as the Marlborough Pavilion here at Blenheim) where there are wonderful views of the Palace, breakfast & lunch offered and private bars and loos and closed-circuit television.
Dressage & Show Jumping World Cup, Gothenburg, Sweden – March 27 – April 6, 2021
We had a wonderful time in 2018 at the World Cup in Paris and Gothenburg offers a chance to enjoy another great city and the exciting Dressage & Show Jumping World Cup. 2021 happens to be the 400th anniversary of the founding of Gothenburg, so there will be lots of special activities. It is a beautiful city with stately buildings, museums and parks. In addition to the World Cup competition, we will have time to explore and enjoy the area.
Aachen Equestrian Festival – Anticipated dates: July 10 – 19, 2021
We intend to return to the Aachen Festival in 2021. It is an annual event for us that we look forward to with great anticipation.