Barbury Castle Horse Trials 2014

Barbury Castle Horse Trials

July is a great month to be in and around Marlborough, Wiltshire with The Marlborough Jazz Festival & Barbury Castle Horse Trials both happening this month. So if you're looking for something to do this weekend head out of Marlborough on the Rockley Road past the rugby pitches and enjoy a day or two of top class horse sport.

Now in it's 10th year Barbury has continued to grow from it's 'experimental' beginnings. The event now runs over 4 days with Dressage today and the novice cross country tomorrow. The main international classes provide the cross country action over the weekend and this is generously supplemented with all manner of entertainment and action throughout the event, not forgetting the ever expanding shopping opportunities (not just bits and bridles!).

Zara Phillips & Tony McCoy Go Head-To-Head On Saturday (photo courtesy of Barbury Castle Horse Trials)

Former world eventing champion Zara Phillips and 19 times champion jump jockey AP McCoy OBE, team captains in the JCB Champions Challenge, a unique 'horserace' between the country’s top riders. It’ll be held at the St James's Place Wealth Management Barbury International Horse Trials on Saturday 5 July in support of the Injured Jockey's Fund.


With so many New Zealand riders based locally, Barbury is a very popular event with the Kiwis, and it's position in the calendar make it a perfectly timed prep run particularly in the championship years (like this year). Marlborough based Andrew Nicholson is one of the most successful at Barbury, and will no doubt be looking to win the to prize again this year. 

Last Year's Winner Andrew Nicholson

Full details can be found on the official website:

Barbury Castle Horse Trials

It's one of the best family day's out you'll find anywhere this weekend.