Posted: 14th September 2026 | Back to news feed
LOCAL CHILD WINS INAUGURAL AGRIA BLENHEIM PALACE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS DRAWING COMPETITION
Young artists from across Oxfordshire have been recognised for their creativity after taking part in a brand-new drawing competition celebrating this year's Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.
Open to Key Stage One and Two pupils (aged five to seven) from primary schools within a 10-mile radius of Blenheim Palace, the competition invited children to showcase their interpretation of the theme ‘Horses in Action’, highlighting what they love most about the countryside, horses and outdoor adventure through their series of imaginative drawings.
Following great deliberation, seven-year-old Norah from Bloxham Church of England Primary School was named the overall winner for her wonderful drawing, portraying a horse jumping over a high fence.
Highly commended from the entries were seven-year-old Sophie and six-year-old Bea from Kitebrook Preparatory School.
Sophie (left) and Bea (right) pictured holding their Highly commended entries
The competition was judged by representatives from Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials organiser Stable Events, Event Director Katrina Midgley and Marketing Director Samantha Matthews, Blenheim Palace Managing Director of Estates Roy Cox and 5* eventer, podcaster and internet personality, Simon Grieve. Each judge praised the outstanding creativity, colour and imagination demonstrated by the young entrants.
“Thank you so much to each entrant for their fantastic effort, and also to the schools and teachers for facilitating this activity,” continued Roy Cox.
Of the winning entry, judge Simon Grieve said, “What a fantastic shot! She really captured the excitement of jumping brilliantly and drew a fabulous tail.
“The competition was extremely hard to judge, as every entry was so unique, and the children had clearly made such an effort.”
As the winning entry, Norah's artwork will be displayed during the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, taking place from 17 to 20 September, alongside other entries from the competition. The winning pupil's classmates will also be able to enjoy a special day out at the event, while all entrant’s families will receive an exclusive discounted weekend ticket offer, including access to Blenheim Palace's popular Adventure Playground.
The competition was created to inspire local children to connect with the countryside while strengthening the event's links with the local community and introducing a new generation to the excitement of horses, outdoor adventure and one of Oxfordshire's flagship sporting events.
Katrina Midgley, Event Director of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, said, "The standard of the entries has been absolutely fantastic, and choosing a winner was no easy task. We were amazed by the imagination, creativity and enthusiasm shown by every child who took part.
"This competition has been a wonderful way to engage local schools and celebrate everything that makes the countryside and equestrian sport so special. We're delighted to welcome our winning class to this year's Horse Trials and look forward to showcasing the artwork during the event."
Norah said of her win, “'I didn't think I was going to win, but I am excited and very happy and can't wait to go and see the horses!”
Bea was equally excited to be attending the event this week, saying, “I’m really excited to see the horses!”.
Returning to the spectacular grounds of UNESCO World Heritage site Blenheim Palace from 17 to 20 September, the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials combines world-class international eventing with outstanding shopping, family entertainment, food and drink, and countryside experiences. Alongside elite sporting competition, visitors can enjoy hundreds of exhibitors, demonstrations, family activities and access to Blenheim Palace's Adventure Playground, making it one of the UK's premier outdoor events.
All competition is being live streamed by Horse and Country here: https://horseandcountry.tv/event/blenheim-palace-international-horse-trials
Tickets can be purchased through the box office at www.bpiht.co.uk
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