Darielle here!
This weekend, is Tatts weekend! We here at No Bucking Way are so excited, neither myself or Orla have been before so we have no idea what to expect. So with that, I have done a bit of research about what is happening and have listed our top 5 riders to watch over the weekend. But first…
Tatts, What Actually Is It?
Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair (aka. Tatts) is taking place the 31st May – 4th June 2017. An annual event, it is one of the biggest sporting events held in Ireland. It combines three equestrian disciplines Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping. However, the event itself caters for more than just the typical horse lover, it also has a shopping village, (I will be sure to splurge a little there!) it has a kids zone, this includes train rides & pony rides and a waggliest tail competition for the dogs! We have decided to attend on Saturday which is Cross Country Day! From speaking to a few friends that go every year, one of the best spots for watching the Cross country is the picnic area as this is normally located near the water jumps. We’re considering bringing rain jackets!
7 Things to Know before you go:
- The Hound Parade takes place on Sunday in The Irish Independent Main Arena
- The Novelty Dog Show takes place Saturday @ 2.00pm and Sunday @ 12.00pm. Competitions include, most waggly tail, dog with the best trick, best fancy dressed and so much more!
- Walk the course. This year it is deigned by FEI Cross Country designer and former Olympian Mr Ian Stark.
- This year the XC course got a total make-over, competitors will no doubt be doing a lot more course walking than most past years.
- The Water Fence Bar. This can be found beside the water fence complex in the Mitsubishi Picnic Square and open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-6pm.
- The Shopping Village! Open from 10am-7pm each day (woo-woo) it has up to 90 concession stands, a seating area & food stalls
- Buy Tickets online for 20% discount off regular price!!
Tatts Tickets (Kids under 12 go FREE)
Click To View – Tatts Daily Timetable
Click to view the course Map 3* Course Map – XC
Wanna have a go at one of Tatts dressage tests? FEI 3* 2015 Test A Give it a go!! See if you have what it takes!
So without any further delay, below I have outlined who I will be keeping a keen eye out for over the weekend, a mixture of Irish & British riders. Have a read below!
SARAH ENNIS (IRE)
Another great Irish event rider, Sarah is based in Dunboyne Co. Meath so will be returning to her hometown for the Tatts event! Sarah has been a member of many International Irish teams, with a HSBC World Ranking of 18th, she has years of experience in the business and with that amazing background and recently having great success at Belton International Horse Trials, she makes the list as one to definitely watch.
JONTY EVANS (IRE)
Another Irish rider to watch (we are just so talented)! Very excited to see this pro in action. Having finished 9th in the 2016 Olympic Games, the best placed finish for the Irish that year, Jonty recently went on to set a national record at four-star level in dressage on the Friday of Badminton 2017 with a score of 37.2 penalties. Wonder if he’ll be able to set any new records this weekend!
ZARA TINDALL (UK)
Across the pond we go! Zara (Phillips) Tindall, granddaughter to Her Majesty the Queen – she has such an amazing eventing track record! Zara was a member of the two British teams that won silver at the 2012 and 2014 Olympic Games where she placed 8th individually. It will be spectacular to watch how she tackles Tatts!
RACHEL ROBINSON (UK)
Eventer Rachel Robinson what an inspiration, she seems to be superwoman having a full time job, children & having the time to compete, I aspire to be like her like how does she do it!!! With that in mind I definitely want to see what she’s made of competing this year at TATTS from looking at some of her pics she looks like a badass!!!
WILLIAM FOX-PITT (UK)
He’s coming to Tatts!! I think literally every horse crazed person has heard of this man! One of the most successful event riders in the world, he is a LEGEND!! His most recent competition was at Houghton where he placed 7th so I am super excited to see how he does this weekend!
Amongst a number of other riders to keep an eye out for include Mark Todd, Tim Price & Ben Hobday!
I don’t know about you, but I have gotten myself so excited about the weekend and our first trip ever to Tatts! I hope to get a good few pics & follow ups on my top 5 riders above!! Keep an eye on our Instagram page, we plan on walking the Cross Country Course!
#tatts2017 #seeyouthere
Last but not least a huge Best of luck to all Irish Eventers competing this year!!
Darielle
#NeighNSlay
No Bucking Way 