FEATURE: Five things not to miss at Hickstead

This week we have our opening show of the international season – the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. It’s best known for our iconic Derby class, featuring those famous fences like the Derby Bank, the Devil’s Dyke and the double of water ditches, along with other popular classes such as the Agria Derby Trial, the British Speed Derby and the ClipMyHorse.TV Master’s Trophy. But there are plenty of other unmissable things to check out during your visit to Hickstead:

1.       Super shopping

Aside from the action in the International Arena, be sure to check out our extensive shopping village. We have many of the country’s leading equestrian brands here, so it’s the perfect opportunity to treat you and your horse to some new gear for this summer! But that's not all, we have everything from garden furniture to jewellery, clothing and accessories to homeware and gifts. Thursday and Friday at this show offer free general admission, with a £15 car parking charge per vehicle, giving you the chance to browse the shops before the weekend rush.

2.       Saturday night fever

If you’re here on Saturday 20 June, don’t disappear after the conclusion of the British Speed Derby… After all, the party is only just getting started! Head over to the ICE Horseboxes Arena (the polo arena) for the Pro Ponies Mini Major – where top riders team up with some of the most talented young riders for a thrilling fancy dress competition. Expect thrills, spills and some incredible costumes during this fun class, before staying on for a BBQ and music at the Polo Clubhouse.

3.       Dine in style

Make your show trip truly special by upgrading to one of our hospitality options. Whether you choose lunch in the Members’ Restaurant, or a spot in the luxurious Al Shira’aa Suite, you’re guaranteed to have delicious food and drink as well as the very best view of the action in the International Arena. Sunday is almost sold out but some spaces remain for the Friday and Saturday of the show.

4.       Family fun

Under 15s get free admission at this show every day except Sunday – so bring the children along and head to our Funfair where there’s plenty to entertain our younger visitors.  For the older ones, axe throwing and archery behind the open grandstand is a new addition this year. We’ve also got so many street food stalls to tempt every member of the family, with everything from curry to duck wraps, bacon rolls to crepes, and everything in between! Grab an ice cream for the kids, and perhaps a glass of Pimm’s for you, find a spot in the free Public Grandstands, and settle in for the very best week in showjumping.

5.       Up close and personal

The reason why the Al Shira’aa Derby remains as spectacular today as it was in 1961, when it first took place, is that the course has stayed virtually the same in all that time. When Douglas Bunn created the Derby, he wanted a course that people could identify with – stone walls, banks, ditches, five-bar gates – these all gave a sense of scale that is sometimes lost with endless coloured poles. And one of the best things about the Al Shira’aa Derby is that the Public can come in before the class and see for themselves just how tall and wide those fences are, which isn’t something that happens with other showjumping classes. Join us from 10.15am for the Public Course Walk, with the accompaniment of music from The Romford Band of the Royal British Legion, then later on don’t forget to be in your seats in time for the Parade of Horses and Riders at 2.40pm.

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