Riseholme College Lincoln Horse Trials to showcase ‘best of the best’ equestrian excellence

Hundreds of competitors will be taking part in the prestigious event at Lincolnshire Showground at the beginning of the British Eventing equestrian season in March, including Olympic gold medallists.

Previously called the Lincolnshire Horse Trials, the competition has been renamed the Riseholme College Lincoln Horse Trials this year to reflect our role in organising and running the event.

The challenging horse trials, which combines dressage, show jumping and cross-country, attracts riders of all abilities and nationalities, and will be held from Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 16.

Elite professional athletes from across the world will be competing across all three days, with the more advanced competition taking place on the Friday and Sunday.

The competition is a highlight in the Riseholme College calendar, with our equine students gaining invaluable experience by being heavily involved. They provide support across the event, from stewarding to dressage writing, and score collecting to course building.

Organiser Catherine Sykes said: “We are delighted to run this prestigious event again in 2025 at such a crucial stage in the season, welcoming the very best riders and providing an incredible opportunity for our students and staff to work alongside such outstanding talent.

“Spectators will be able to witness world-class eventing up close at this must-see early-season competition. It’s also a fantastic chance to see young talent coming through the ranks, who are the future of the sport.”

Among the anticipated entries are local rider Ros Canter, who won a gold medal in Team Eventing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside fellow team members Laura Collett and Tom McEwen.

Ros said: “Lincoln is a very important event for me, as it sits at the start of our competition season.

“The event provides our horses with real variety on the cross-country course and very consistent ground conditions, which helps us in the preparation for our major spring events like Badminton Horse Trials.

“It’s fantastic to have an event like the Riseholme College Lincoln Horse trials on our doorstep, which attracts the best event riders and horses in the country.”

Riseholme College Vice Principal Beth Curtis said: “This event not only showcases exceptional equestrian competition but also the expertise, dedication and hard work of our students and staff.

“Riseholme College is a leader in equestrian education, renowned for its hands-on, practical approach to learning.

“Major events like the Riseholme College Lincoln Horse Trials offer students incredible opportunities to engage in real-world scenarios, gaining crucial experience to prepare them for future success.”

The competition schedule has been updated this year, to accommodate more riders. The timetable is as follows:

• Friday, March 14 – Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, Open Intermediate, BE100, BE100 Open.
• Saturday, March 15 – BE100, BE100 Open, Novice, Open Novice, Open Novice Under 18, Pony Trial (Novice).
• Sunday, March 16 – Intermediate, Open Intermediate, Novice, Open Novice, Intermediate Novice.

The horse trials will be open all day, with all three phases in action from 10am. Entry is £10 per vehicle, payable by card only on the day.