Mark your calendars as The Cotswold Cup is coming to Pontispool on September 9th and 10th.

Featuring classes at 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, and 100cm, along with dedicated Junior sections, The Cotswold Cup is open to riders of all levels.

The event takes place at Pontispool, near Taunton, Somerset, which is renowned for its superb cross country courses that are built on undulating parkland. 

This year’s course designer is former international event rider Lucy McCarthy (nee Wiegersma) whose talent for creating superb cross country courses that are built to install confidence is well known.

Organiser Richard Mitford-Slade said: “We’re really looking forward to hosting Somerset’s round of The Cotswold Cup at Pontispool which is a fabulous competition that is open to all. It gives riders a taste of competing at horse trials in a professional setting. It’s also an affordable way of competing in horse trials and we hope that Westcountry-based riders will make this there number one aim this September.”

The dressage is on permanent pasture and the show jumping is in Pontispool’s outdoor arena. The cross country courses encourage forward riding and are designed to install confidence and give a thoroughly enjoyable experience. 

“We want riders to come here and have a fabulous time riding across country, after all that’s what eventing is all about! With that in mind, Lucy’s courses are really encouraging and we know that people will have a thoroughly enjoyable time,” added Richard.

The Cotswold Cup has a unique points system. Horse and rider combinations can earn points from 1st to 10th placings, with additional points for double clears, adding an exciting element to the competition. Prize money is paid to sixth place in each class with prizes in kind for junior and 70cms.  A £10,000 prize pot for open classes, provides an enticing incentive for riders to give their best.

For the schedule and to enter please click this link.