The NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials has been shortlisted in the Event of the Year category at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards 2024. A total of 20 events from across the county have made the shortlist in what looks set to be a competitive contest.

Taking place each August, the premier event has become a prestigious fixture in the equestrian calendar, attracting Olympic, world and European champions who take on the ultimate test of horsemanship in the form of this ‘equestrian triathlon’. 

The event has appeal beyond the equestrian audience, and has grown to become a great day out in the countryside for families, friends and dogs alike. In addition to affordable admission prices throughout the weekend, the first few days of the event are free to attend, helping to make it as accessible as possible to families during the school holidays. Spectators marvel at the incredible courage of leading riders, while catching up over a refreshing cool beverage, ice cream or hot coffee, depending on the Great British weather! This year’s event takes place after the Paris Olympic Games, raising the prospect of Olympic riders heading to Hartpury with their other horses on their return from France.

First launched in 2018, the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards gives the region’s flourishing businesses the chance to gain the recognition they deserve through exciting entry, shortlisting, voting and judging stages, culminating in an epic celebration ceremony as the winners are revealed. 

Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO of Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “We’re delighted to have made the shortlist in what looks set to be a competitive category, with a real variety of superb and much-loved events from across the county. 

“Our annual horse trials has become much more than an equestrian competition, and is now also seen as a social event and family day out. Being shortlisted for Event of the Year is testament to the dedication and hard work put in by Phillip Cheetham (Equine Director) and his team, as well as the volunteers, sponsors, officials and competitors who make the event a resounding success year after year. 

“I’d like to thank NAF in particular, whose title sponsorship has helped us to make the event what it is today. Please do vote for us if you can, we’d greatly appreciate it!”

Members of the public can vote for free here, with voting open until Friday 29 March 2024. 

Finalists will be revealed on Monday 22 April 2024 with the winners and highly commended businesses to be announced during the awards night on Thursday 16 May 2024, set to take place at The Sub Rooms in Stroud.

This year’s NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials takes place from 7-11 August 2024.