Saturday 14th October 2023 was the first cold morning of Autumn. In the main it was a beautiful day, and I was very happy to be photographing my first event for H&P Equine Events – a hunter trial at the amazing Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre.

Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre: A world-class equestrian facility in the heart of England

The Hedge – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre (MKEC) is a state-of-the-art equestrian facility located in Hanslope, Milton Keynes, England. It offers a wide range of facilities and services for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors.

MKEC is home to a number of excellent facilities, including:

• A new 40 x 60m all-weather arena
• A cross-country course with a huge variety of fences

The House – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

MKEC offers a wide range of activities and services, including:

• Training clinics and workshops
• Competitions and events

MKEC is a popular venue for a variety of equestrian events, including dressage competitions, show jumping competitions, and eventing competitions.

MKEC is a great place to enjoy all aspects of equestrian sport and horsemanship.

If you are looking for a world-class equestrian facility in the heart of England, then MKEC is the perfect place for you.

The Rail – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

H&P Equine Events

H&P Equine Events is a company that organises and runs equestrian events in the United Kingdom. They are based in Milton Keynes, England, and they run a variety of events at different venues throughout the country.

H&P Equine Events offers a wide range of events, including:

• Show jumping competitions
• Dressage competitions
• Eventing competitions
• Hunter trials
• Training clinics and workshops
• Social events

The Steps – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

H&P Equine Events events are open to riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. They also offer a variety of classes, so there is something for everyone.

H&P Equine Events is committed to providing high-quality events for their riders and spectators. They have a team of experienced and qualified organisers and judges, and they work hard to ensure that their events are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

If you are interested in finding out more about H&P Equine Events or their upcoming events, you can visit their website or Facebook page.

The Raised Log – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

What’s a Hunter Trial?

A hunter trial is a type of equestrian event that is designed to test the skills of the horse and rider over a cross-country course. The course is typically made up of a series of obstacles, such as jumps, ditches, and banks, and riders are timed as they complete the course. Riders are penalised for faults, such as knocking down a jump or refusing to jump, and the rider with the fewest faults and the closest to the optimum time is the winner.

Hunter trials are a popular event for riders of all levels, and they can be a great way to improve your horsemanship skills and build confidence in your horse. They are also a fun and challenging way to compete.

The Flower Box – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – 14^th October 2023

The first of five classes, an Intro Individual, kicked off proceedings. As was reflected across the day as a whole, the heavy rain the previous day caused a few withdrawals, but still 16 runners and riders set off. Of those, 10 managed to complete successfully.

The Intro Individual was followed up by the Intro Pairs, where teams of two horses and riders set out with the aim of completing the course together. One of the 16 obstacles on the course was designated as a ‘Dressing Fence’, where the aim is for the pair to jump it together in perfect unison in exchange for a reward. I believe the reward on this occasion was the striking off of some of the penalty points accrued elsewhere around the course. 13 pairs started out, but only seven completed the course legally.

The Log Dressing Fence – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

The Novice Individual utilised a different course, with competitors required to jump obstacles up to 80cms in height. 11 of the 15 to take part made it around the course without being eliminated.

Just five teams started off for the Novice Pairs, and only two of those managed to complete. The weather – for the only time during the day – had the temerity to rain briefly!

Finally, the day ended with a 90cms Intermediate class, with eight starters and six finishers.

The House – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

Conclusion

It had been a thoroughly enjoyable day in the Autumn sunshine. Once the temperature started to rise, it really was lovely. The event was extremely well organised, something that was commented upon by everyone who took part, and everyone was really friendly. H&P Equine Events’ events come highly recommended.

The full set of images can be found on the following link: 14th October 2023 H&P Equine Events Hunter Trial.

If you require the password, please send me a message.

The Raised Log, crafted to look like a pike – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

Brush Hurdle – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

The House – H&P Equine Events – Hunter Trial – Milton Keynes Equestrian Centre

GET IN TOUCH

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MORE EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION

Equestrian Photography – You and Your Horse or Pony in Action

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Karl Drage is a professional Northamptonshire-based photographer who also covers surrounding counties such as Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, Oxfordshire & Warwickshire. If you are looking for an equine photographer in the towns of Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Oundle, Corby, Peterborough, Leicester, Huntingdon, Towcester, Rugby, Daventry, Oakham or nearby, please use one of the methods on the Contact Us page to get in touch.