Powderham Castle, built in 1392, lies in a beautiful deer park setting on the banks of the River Exe. The Courtenay family have lived here for over 600 years and have a long history of hosting wonderful events and welcoming people to their magnificent home. It was also the very popular venue for eventers for 40 years up to 1999 and organised by the family.

The breathtaking views to the estuary and beyond provided the perfect setting for the Powderham Castle Horse Trials in 2008 and 2009.

The Horse Trials were affiliated to British Eventing and held Advanced, Intermediate and Novice classes, attracting 650 competitors from Olympic standard down to the rider progressing in Eventing.

The competitor completed the following three phases during one day:

• Dressage -  in arenas in a quiet area near the horsebox park  
• The Show Jumping Arena  - in front of the Castle   
• The Deer Park provided the ideal setting for the final phase of the three Cross Country courses, using many traditional features and the undulating parkland that encompassed the new water feature and a re-sculptured sand pit near the Exe Estuary.  

David Evans, the 2008 Olympic course builder and his team constructed the many new features and permanent fences to their familiar high standard.

Facilities were provided for trade exhibitors, a regional food village, children’s entertainment, dog agility fun course and various displays in the Countryside arena - against the backdrop of Powderham Castle.