Saddle up! The Festival of British Eventing is on from 05 - 07 August. A three-day equine extravaganza which takes place at glorious Gatcombe Park. What's on? World class eventing, entertainment, a shopping village, artisan food and more. See our horsey highlights here.

Galloping into the lead for August’s best events? The Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing. Back after a two year hiatus (we missed it!) the action is back bigger and better than ever, with three jam-packed days to enjoy from 05 – 07 August.

Want 9 reasons to canter on down there? Read on.

1. Spot the stars of the sport

With five Championship titles up for grabs the world’s very best event riders flock here for a weekend of non-stop action. See the leaps, strides and jumps up close. The Magic Millions British Open held at four star level is one of the most prestigious titles in eventing. As well as classes from Novice level The Festival also hosts the RoR/NTF Retrained Racehorse Event Championship which is exclusively open to horses that are finding a new career in eventing after previously racing.

2. Enjoy a picnic in the park at glorious Gatcombe Estate

Pack a picnic (and a bottle of fizz, why not) and a rug and spend the whole day watching the equestrian world go by. Pitch up at the Park Bowl where Captain Mark Phillips’ famously demanding cross country course unfolds in front of you. Watch all the cross country action in front of HRH The Princess Royal’s beautiful Gatcombe Park.

3. Be a horsey VIP for the day

Become a member of the Hamptons Festival Pavilion – an exclusive arena side enclosure where you can enjoy the action in a little more luxury including a two-course buffet lunch with your membership, tea and coffee on arrival, shopping concierge service, big screens, luxury loos and a licensed bar.

4. Have a go at falconry and dog shows (it’s not just horses you know)

If you have young children do not miss the awe inspiring Ye Olde Redtail falconry display in the main arena, where children are invited in to take part. Prepare to be mesmerized by swooping hawks, falcons, owls and vultures. Plus bring the pooch along, there is plenty of fun to be had with your dog over the weekend with ‘have a go’ dog agility and fun dog show, even the family pet will get into the festival spirit.

5. Catch amazing adrenaline thrills in the Main Arena

Head for the Main Arena where family entertainment includes the thrilling Scurry Driving in which a pair of ponies pull a carriage around a course of cones and obstacles in an attempt to get the fastest time. The fast and furious Shetland Pony Grand National always draws the crowds with the mini jockeys and ponies battling it out for coveted place in the finals at London International Horse Show in December.

6. Drop in to the Gatcombe Farmers’ Market

Love food? Erm yeah! Brand new for 2022 the Farmers’ Market will offer foods from around the world as well as tempting local treats.

7. Shop til you drop at the Lifestyle Village

Come armed and ready for retail therapy, with avenues of quality shops where you can find everything you could possibly need for your horse as well as beautiful home interiors, cars, jewellery and clothes. Also on offer are unique gifts, crafts and treats in the Rural Crafts Tent.

8. Go royal visitor spotting!

HRH The Princess Royal can be spotted presenting the prizes to the Championship class winners in the main arena. Peter Phillips is the Event Director and is on site for the whole weekend. Zara and Mike Tindall are normally in attendance and the young cousins use The Festival as an opportunity to play in their backyard! Keep your eyes peeled – Zara can often be seen competing too.

9. And lastly? Don’t miss the thrilling finale …

Make sure you are there at the end of the Magic Millions British Open as the horses run cross country in reverse order, which means the leader sets out last to see if they can grab the crown. It is all to play for and they know instantly if they have taken the title.

Want to go? Of horse you do…

For more information on The Festival and to buy tickets visit www.festivalofbritisheventing.com where you can also upgrade to become a member of the Hamptons Festival Pavilion, book forward parking or secure your place in the caravan park to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action. Children 12 and under go free.

Follow The Festival on Facebook @FestivalofEventing, Twitter @FestivalofBE and Instagram #FBE22.

PLUS – here’s your chance to WIN tickets too.

**** WIN! *****

We are giving away four Sunday admission tickets and four Hamptons Festival Pavilion Membership passes, which includes a two course buffet lunch – total prize value £300! Want to win this fantastic treat? Enter here now.