The Gosling Cup is a well-established and long-running competition, unique to Area 8. Historically only Southern branches of Area 8 could compete in this competition. New to 2025 ALL Area 8 Branches can now join in the fun!
The competition that consists of:
- Individual Ride: a current dressage test
- Team Ride: a special quadrille dressage test, in which all four ponies are in the arena together!
- Handy Hunter Trial: using whatever cross-country course is available, this includes some simple challenges e.g. opening gates
- Show Jumping
There is a seperate Tack and Turnout Competition, with the winning team taking home the beautiful Tack and Turnout Shield.
The Gosling Cup has a special scoring system: here are the updated Gosling Cup Rules 2025 rules. Each year, the competition is hosted by one of the participating Branches. It is a brilliant day with spectators, who are also often previous Gosling Cup competitors themselves. This competition has a team spirit quite unlike any other event and at the end of a long, fun day out the members go home with an array of colourful rosettes. It is aimed at those competing at 80cm, with teams and individuals.
The Gosling Cup will be held on 15th June 2025 at Horseheath Racecourse, Horseheath, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4QF kindly hosted by Puckeridge Pony Club.
Entries and more information can be found here