Bolesworth Horse Show

[Somersetlady]

Hello wise riders

I am thinking of coming to Bolesworth International in July. Has anyone been and showjumped there?
Is it worth the exorbitant entry fees?

I think you might be better off asking on the horse and hound forum, I don't think you'll find many serious SJ competitors here, no insult to my fellow MNetters but most of us are more towards the Mum-with-LR-kids or happy hacker end of the spectrum I think.

That being said, kudos to you for jumping at that level, Bolesworth is a very good show, one of the top ones in the UK (not perhaps on the level of HOYS, Hickstead or Olympia, but certainly one of the best of the rest). I've been to watch in previous years and always enjoyed as a spectator. My SJ coach (that sounds very grand, he's more a friend that sticks some jumps up and insists I do them, my competitive days are def behind me!) says it's his favourite show for what that's worth...

Thank you for replying. I’m only thinking of taking my young horse he is 7 and doing the amatuer 1.25m so not big but it is a LOT of money!

I have been on mumsnet for years and knew this board was here. Will try horse and hound thanks for the suggestion.

What you are up against is the “in crowd” I’m afraid. Not only do the top riders not pay entry fees, if they are mates they get to stay in the castle. A good looking local girl I know was paid £1000, by the show, to groom for a top male rider. They get the red carpet rolled out for them and riders like you pay more to make up for it.
Don’t let me put you off, I’m sure it would feel great to ride there, but go with your eyes open.

Can you travel each day and save on stabling?

There is a one off cost for stabling and entries so i can’t @NoProblem123

The international arena looks fab @BonnyBunny and I would get to jump in there each day. It is also a few days away for me post lockdown without the kids to thinking more of it like a holiday away - cheaper than a sun break or skiing😂

@Somersetlady I would sell an organ to have a ride in that arena - do it, enjoy your mini break, and report back how you got on !

Yes @NoProblem123 i have a new horse and all our classes are in there really decent times.
So i can even get a lie in two days and have a relax in the afternoon evening!

🤣 at 1.25 not big.

That’s not big by international standards but bigger than I have every jumped.That said the kids at pony club go up to this in the chase me charlie. Not the same as jumping a full course, but I watch from behind my hands!

It’s an International 3* so i am jumping the “little” classes on the schedule.

The pony class is 1.30m😂

Anything over 80cm gives me the shakes

@countrygirl99 the entry fee for Bolesworth gave me the shakes😂😂😂

🤣🤣🤣 Good luck and enjoy. My son went to the Royal International (just the RC team class) and it was a great experience.