Final countdown to Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton International incorporating FEI Eventing Nations Cup

Not all international horse trials can boast extraordinary works of sculpture by notable artists, viewable from the cross country course. Whilst last year’s visitors to Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton International were treated to a backdrop of huge, colourful sculptures by Damien Hirst, this year’s spectators can enjoy the work of Henry Moore – the first significant show of the artist’s work in East Anglia.

The 2019 Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton International runs from 23rd – 26th May, and again hosts the only British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup. Ten teams are due to contest this first leg of the series which concludes at Boekelo (Netherlands) in October. The highest placed, non-qualified, nation in the rankings after Boekelo will earn a team place for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

In recent years, Germany has been the dominant force at Houghton; the German team has won the Nations Cup class for the last four years. Great Britain last topped the tables here in 2013, and the British team will be out to regain the advantage.

Fifteen nations will be represented in the eventing classes, from Spain and Sweden to Brazil, Canada and Australia, with cross country and showjumping taking place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Additional equestrian classes also run throughout the event, with ‘have a go’ dog agility hosted by our 2019 charity Riding For The Disabled, children’s entertainment and over 70 tradestands, food outlets and a licenced bar also on site.

Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton International is the only time the public can camp in the park, providing a perfect base for an action packed weekend. Full details are available via the ‘Book Tickets’ link.

Entrance to the complete Henry Moore exhibition is not included in Horse Trials admission – tickets can be bought at https://www.houghtonhall.com

Tickets for the Horse Trials can be bought in advance via the event website, and on the Gate, which opens at 8.30am every day.