The 2023 Cotswold Cup Series culminates on the 29th September with a £17,000 prize pot on offer at our prestigious ODE, 2DE and 3DE Championships hosted by the Cirencester Park Estate.
2023 Series Sponsors
We couldn't run the Cotswold Cup without the support of our incredible sponsors - please head to their websites to learn more about them, send them a message of thanks - (it really does go a long way) or pop on to Facebook or Instagram and show them all some love over there!
If you are joining us for the 2023 Championship classes OR the ODE, 2DE or 3DE Open Classes there are a few things below that we think you will find useful...
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
All information during the event will be communicated via a private Riders' WhatsApp group - please join by clicking on the button below:
Times available from 6pm Wednesday 27th September 2023
Arrival from 2pm on Thursday 28th September. Not before!
Riders briefing and drinks Thursday 28th September 6pm at marquee by main arena. This will also be videoed and circulated on the Riders WhatsApp group.
If you have booked a hook up, you will be emailed a pass which should be displayed clearly in your window on arrival.
All stables will be provided with 2 bales of shavings bedding. There will be a limited amount to buy on site but please feel free to bring additional bedding from home.
Please bring your own hay / haylage and feed!
Stables will be numbered. Do not just put your horse in any stable but refer to the plan at the Stable Managers' Trailer.
Trot up for 3DE competitors will be at approx. 8am on Friday (subject to change). Please bring your passport to trot up with you. Horses and ponies will be presented in numerical order except where there is a multiple rider who will trot their horses consecutively.
Best dressed will be judged at the Friday morning trot-up. Head to www.fairfaxandfavor.com for outfit inspiration.
Pizzas, burgers, tapas and cocktail bar open all day and evening. Pizzas will be available until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evening.
There will be loos & showers on site.
Photographer is Athalens. Videographer is An Eventful Life.
There will be NO XC schooling following the event.
The Champs are FREE to enter for any one who wants to come and watch and have a cocktail or a Hawkstone in the Park!
FAQs
What are roads and tracks? A 15 minute warm-up phase is ridden at a steady trot with riders usually choosing to give their horses a canter towards the end of the phase; in preparation for the speed required over the steeplechase fences.
There is a second phase of roads and tracks after the steeplechase. This is a 30 minute recovery phase after the exertions of the steeplechase. It is usually carried out at walk and trot and is followed by a ten minute compulsory halt; during which time our vet will check your horse to ensure that they are sound and fit to continue. Your tack will also be checked at this point.
What is the steeplechase section? This phase is designed to test the speed of horse and rider over jumps and requires horses to jump approx. 4 brush fences, depending on the level of competition. Even though it is usually carried out at a gallop, riders have to be accurate judges of pace, as horses that finish the steeplechase too quickly will use up the valuable energy needed for the remaining phases!
What is a trot up? Before the competition starts each horse is 'trotted up' in front of an inspection panel consisting of a vet and the Ground Jury (judges) to ensure the horse is healthy, sound and fit to compete.
Do we have to stable on site? - No - it is not compulsory to stable on site for any of the competitions.
Will there be bedding? Yes - each stable is allocated two bales of bedmax bedding - there will be a limited amounty extra to purchase on site but you are very welcome to bring your own bedding with you too.
Do I bring my own hay/haylage? Yes - and feed!
Will there be toilets/showers in the lorry park? Yes!
Can I bring a tent to sleep in? Yes!
How do I know where I can hack/lunge/exercise my horse/pony? All areas will be clearly sign posted and marked on variou smaps - you will also be told where you can and can't ride during the riders' briefing.
When can I arrive with my horse/pony? Anytime after 2pm on Thursday 28th September.
When can I walk the course? The courses are available for walking anytime after 2pm on Thursday 28th September.
Will there be food available on site all day/evening? Yes - Pizzas, tapas and burgers will be available for the duration - as will Hawkstone Beer and Cider and Series Cocktails (as well as soft drinks too!)
Will there be a tack shop on site? Yes
Is there anything to do in the evenings? The riders' briefing and drinks party is on Thursday evening - the bars (Hawkstone and Cocktail) will be open in the evenings too!
Trot-up best dressed, what should I wear? We recommend going with stylish comfort - flat shoes, and anything you feel you can run in comfortably - there is lots of inspiration on our Sponsor Fairfax and Favor's website - www.fairfaxandfavor.com
Does my horse/pony need to be plaited for the trot up? Not necessarily but most will plait!
RIDER BRIEFING - there will be a rider briefing at 6pm on Thursday 28th September - you can ask any questions you may still have then :)