FEATURE: Seven things to do at the Royal International

The Agria Royal International Horse Show gets underway from today until Sunday, and there's so much to look forward to. This week showjumping fans can look forward to iconic classes such as the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, The JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the UNEX Group Speed Classic and the Al Shira'aa King George V Gold Cup - but there's so much more to enjoy during your visit. Here's our guide to our top seven things to do this week at Hickstead: 

1.       Showing stars 

Hickstead is best known for being the home of British showjumping, but showing is a massive part of the Agria Royal International Horse Show - in fact, this event is regarded as the pinnacle of the summer show season. Expect hundreds of horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes, from diminutive Miniatures up to towering Heavyweight Hunters, and everything in between! The best of the week's winners go forward to The Barberstown Castle Supreme Ridden Horse and the Supreme Products Supreme Pony Championships on Sunday afternoon, where our panel of three judges will watch each horse or pony do a special individual show, then hold up those score cards for all to see... 

2.      So many horses! 

It's not just showjumping and showing either - we'll have around 3,500 equines on site this week at the show! There's speedy event horses coming forward for Thursday's Ashby Underwriting Eventers' Challenge, where they'll gallop round a cross-country course in the International Arena. Pairs of matching ponies will be racing round a course of cones in the popular Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry, a class that never fails to delight the crowds. There will be tiny ponies and riders jumping in the Allied Property Management Hickstead Mini Challenge on the River Lawn, and hundreds of Riding Club horses competing in Sunday's BRC Team Jumping competition.  

3.      Hit the shops 

Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to browse the shopping village. With many leading equestrian and countryside brands here, you'll be spoilt for choice, and whether you're in the market for a new horsebox or a new pair of riding gloves, we have something to suit all tastes and budgets!  It's not just saddlery and riding clothes either, as we have stands selling everything from products for your home and garden, to jewellery, clothing, accessories and gifts. 

4.       Get down to the Hoedown

If you’re at the show on Saturday 25 July, you're in for a treat - Saturday evening is the famous Hickstead Hoedown! Once the competition has ended in the International Arena, head over to the Village Green for a fun-filled evening of live country music, line dancing, a licenced bar, street food, and the opportunity to test your skills on the bucking broncos! You might even spot a top showjumper or two giving it a go...

5.       Fine dining 

Make the most of your day at Hickstead by upgrading to one of our hospitality options. Our Members’ Restaurant is a great option for those who want to enjoy delicious food and drink while watching the action in the International Arena. Final spaces remain so don't delay! 

6.       Child's play

The long school holidays are underway, and if you're worrying about how to keep your children entertained, then a day out at Hickstead is the answer! The good news is under 15s get free admission at this show every day, as long as they're attending with a paying adult. Our Village Green area has a funfair, face painters, the Hobby Horse Derby, family games and children's entertainers, while the grown-ups can enjoy a selection of street food stands, a licensed bar and live music performances! For older children, try axe throwing and archery - head to the area behind the open grandstand.

7.       In Style 

Fancy winning a spa break at one of West Sussex's best hotels? Of course you do! To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is attend the show on Style Saturday (25 July) and be dressed in your best finery - think linen suits for the gentlemen, and dresses and hats for the ladies. To register, go to Ella's Bar (next to the funnel into the International Arena) at 1pm.  

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