More opportunities to compete as Hickstead’s dressage festival expands

After the inaugural I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead last year, the show is back with an extended format for 2022.

This year’s event takes place from 12-15 May, with an additional day of national classes having been added to the schedule. While the British Dressage Premier League fixture includes classes from Advanced Medium up to Grand Prix level, the additional day offers riders from Novice to Medium level the chance to compete at the iconic Hickstead showground.

“Last year’s show was a great success but this year we’re hoping that even more riders make the journey to West Sussex this May,” says Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn. “The feedback from competitors last year was excellent, and we’re pleased to be able to add another day to the schedule so that more riders can enjoy competing here.”  

The I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival also features International Young Horse qualifiers plus FEI youth classes from Pony to Under 25. The feature classes are the LeMieux Premier League FEI Grand Prix on Saturday, and the I.C.E. Horseboxes FEI Grand Prix Special on the Sunday afternoon.

While the 2021 event ran behind closed doors, this year spectators are more than welcome, with three rings of competition to enjoy, a select number of trade stands, and free parking and admission throughout.

There is also the option to upgrade to the Laurent Perrier Club, which is situated between the Coldstream Equestrian Arena and the Equine America Arenas. With indoor and outdoor seating, its own champagne bar and private deli café, it offers unparalleled views of the action. It costs £25 (£15 on Thursday) per person per day or £50 per person for the duration, and is available to purchase with entries or via the Hickstead website.

The action from the Coldstream Equestrian Arena will be also livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.TV and on Hickstead.TV.

Entries are open now via www.hickstead.co.uk.

Photo © Spidge Photography