An International 1,2 at Belton Horse Trials

Thousands of visitors from all over England flocked to Belton for the annual International Horse Trials and family fun day out. (Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April)

Set in the heart of Lincolnshire, the delightful surroundings of the National Trust’s Belton estate provided a fabulous backdrop for a fun-filled family weekend. Quite apart from the packed equestrian programme, the event included a wide range of activities from a Classic Car display to a Dog Show and a long distance run to a working sheepdog demonstration.

It was an International 1, 2 in this year’s Grantham Cup CIC 3* sponsored by Lycetts with the USA’s Clark Montgomery and his own Loughan Glen taking the prestigious title in front of record Belton crowds. An unfortunate rail in the show jumping cost the overnight leader, Australia’s Bill Levett and his mount Clare Prentice’s Shannondale Titan 1^st place. Britain’s Kitty King riding Jane Mufett and Frank Inns Persimmon claimed 3^rd place.

The 2015 Listers Mercedes-Benz CIC 2* title was taken by team GBR rider Oliver Townend & Note Worthy. They lead from the start to clinch the title in front of the Belton crowds. Oliver was closely followed by Tom McEwen with Toledo de Kerser and third place went to Germany’s Britta Esser with Escorial 146.

Stuart Buntine, director of Bede Events who organised Belton Horse Trials, was delighted to welcome Listers Mercedes – Benz as title sponsors for Saturday’s CIC 2* class and as official vehicle suppliers for the event. He said “it is this kind of backing from local companies which is vital in making events like Belton Horse Trials possible and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

Pulling the largest crowd of the weekend, the Voltaire Designs Inter-Hunt Gate Jumping competition didn’t fail to entertain. With a ‘winner takes all’ prize pot of £500, the 7 competitors fought until the last, with two clearing the 5’8inch gate. With both competitors representing the Grove and Rufford hunt, Ryan Page beat Emma Gage to the pot, after removing one less item of clothing!