FEI Houghton International – a great day out for the entire family

Visitors to Houghton International’s 10th anniversary will find plenty to see and do. Not only are many of the top event riders in the world contesting the International classes – dressage on Thursday and Friday, show jumping and cross country on both Saturday and Sunday – but pony club, show jump and dressage riders will also be in action.

Shopping opportunities have stepped up a gear this year. As well as the regular array of trade stands, Britain Does Vintage is making a first appearance with a Vintage Fair and tearoom. Approximately 15 hand picked stalls will be selling the very best in vintage clothing, tweeds, jewellery, bags, glassware, linens and homeware, all dating from the 1920s to 1950s. There will also be a vintage tea room offering afternoon tea served on authentic vintage crockery.

The Vintage Fair will be open throughout all four days of the horse trials, and the single admission charge gives access both to the Trials and the fair.

On Saturday evening a charity cricket match supporting Norfolk charity Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) will take place in front of the Hall. WWTWs team includes both Ibrar Ali MC who was involved in a roadside bomb explosion nine years ago, resulting in numerous injuries and the amputation of his right arm, and Matt Fisher who lost his left leg following a gunshot wound whilst serving in Afghanistan. The Houghton team is made up of top level international event riders who are, by definition, competitive!

Tickets to Saturday’s event include free entry to the cricket match and picnickers are welcome, or there is the opportunity to upgrade to VIP status and enjoy a complimentary drink, nibbles, fully stocked bar and the chance to meet some of the wounded veterans in the WWTW tent. To buy a VIP ticket, proceeds of which will directly fund the charity’s work, click here.

Finally, for those who have not come armed with a picnic, there is a fully licensed bar and a range of food outlets to cater to all tastes.

Houghton International tickets can be bought on the Gate, which opens at 8.30am every day.