Kokova Magazine

A host of top riders will head to the All England Jumping Course, West Sussex this summer for Hickstead's two international fixtures - the British Jumping Derby Meeting and the Longines Royal International Horse Show.

With the shows taking place in the weeks leading up to the start of the London 2012 Olympics, it's the perfect opportunity to see some of the world's best horses and riders compete just before the Games.

Daily admission tickets start from just £8, while a huge range of hospitality options are available, including private boxes, ringside lodges, the exclusive 120-seater Members' Restaurant, the new al fresco Ringside Restaurant and the Beethoven Suite, found at the top of the member's grandstand.

All of these areas offer fabulous views of the action in the International Arena. There's also hundreds of tradestands, selling tack, clothing, accessories and more.

The British Jumping Derby Meeting (21-24 June)

Hickstead's four-day June meeting culminates in the Carpetright Derby, one of the most famous classes in showjumping. Held for the first time in 1961, the Derby has seen hundreds of riders attempt to clear all of the 16 huge fences, and very few have succeeded.

Riders first need to qualify in the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial - often a useful indication of which horses and riders to look out for on Sunday's main event. And if you thought Hickstead's permanent fences were daunting enough, in the British Speed Derby riders have to clear them at a gallop - making for a fast and furious competition!

Plus there's showing classes, scurry driving, the Celebrity Polo Derby and lots more.

Win Tickets for the Hickstead Derby for Saturday 23rd June 2012

Longines Royal International Horse Show (18-22 July)

The Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead is famous for its top class showing and showjumping action. This six-day fixture includes the FEI Nations Cup™ of Great Britain, where the top eight countries in the world do battle for the honours.

There's also the Longines King George V Gold Cup and the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup, two of the most historic classes in showjumping's calendar, plus the Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix, where event riders and showjumpers go head to head for the honours.

Showing is a huge part of the Royal International, with over 1,500 competitors taking part across a range of classes. The show ring action culminates in two of the most prestigious championships of all - the British Horse Society Supreme Ridden Horse and the Dick Saunders Supreme Ridden Pony.

Other highlights include driving, side-saddle and concours d'elegance classes. And don't forget ladies day on the Saturday, when the most fashionably-dressed females can win some excellent prizes.

To book tickets for the British Jumping Derby Meeting and the Longines Royal International Horse Show, go to www.hickstead.co.uk or call 01273 834315.