A new equestrian festival is to launch at Kelsall Hill in Cheshire this summer (8-10 July).
HorseFest, presented by John Oates Horseboxes, is designed to celebrate all things horse, bringing together equestrian experts, elite riders and horse owners, to learn and have fun.
Postponed from July 2021, due to the pandemic, the team are excited to be finally going ahead.
“With two indoor arenas — one with grandstand seating — as well as two outdoor arenas, and plenty of space for talks, close up demos, shopping, great food and bars plus camping areas around the festival site – Kelsall offers a wonderful combination of a beautiful valley setting and state of the art facilities, just 25 minutes from the M6,” said Thea Roberts, co-founder of HorseFest.
Visitors can come for the day or stay for the weekend, with camping and ‘glamping’ options. Those staying overnight can also bring their own horsebox, caravan or motorhome to stay in.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be supporting HorseFest with this exciting new festival,” said Phil Latham, owner of Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre. “We feel sure that the outstanding facilities and stunning views across the Cheshire countryside here will give the festival a wonderful setting.”
Exciting line-up
The event promises a packed line-up with demonstrations and talks from top riders and experts across all areas of the equestrian world, including:
- Trainer in equine biomechanics Simon Cocozza, who will be discussing core conditioning for horses and how to help them develop so that they can work and carry riders effortlessly.
- Eventing legend Mary King (pictured), who will be sharing training methods and what she looks for in a young horse as she sets out on the journey to hopefully produce a star of the future.
- Grand Prix dressage rider Steph Croxford, who will impart her many years of know ledge of producing ‘non-standard’ dressage horses to top level.
- Trainer Jason Webb and performance psychologist Charlie Unwin, who will demonstrate their skills in developing the minds of both rider and horse.
- Gillian Higgins the brains behind Horses Inside Out, who will provide insight into equine locomotion, training, management and welfare from an anatomical perspective.
- Showjumper Jay Halim, who will be passing on his tips for the top.
- Jamaican eventer Lydia Heywood, who will share her experiences of working hard to get to the top of the eventing scene.
- Leading event rider Jonty Evans, who will share story that captured the hearts of thousands when his partnership with Cooley Rorkes Drift was secured thanks to a successful crowd-funding campaign.
There will also be a shopping village, plenty of food stalls and bars, and evening music and entertainment. Children will be able to enjoy a play area, arts and crafts and popular hobby horse races.
“We really wanted to create an outdoor event in an beautiful, inspirational, equestrian location for those who love all things equine to indulge their passion, through connecting with like-minded people,” added Thea.
“We believe that HorseFest will give people the chance to talk, listen, watch, learn, participate and have fun which is our vision, and we are so excited to finally kick off the festival this year!”
Tickets will go on public sale in February 2022. For more information visit https://horsefest.org
