Banburyshire school girl wins drawing competition celebrating Oxfordshire horse trials

Seven-year-old Norah entered a brand new drawing competition organised by the Agria Blenheim International Horse Trials. And her lovely picture of a horse and rider tackling a big fence was chosen as the winner.

Norah was one of a number of school pupils to enter the competition which was open to children aged five to seven years.

She said: “'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!”

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 imaginative drawings.

Highly commended from the entries were seven-year-old Sophie and six-year-old Bea from Kitebrook Preparatory School.

The competition was judged by representatives from trials 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,” said Mr Cox.

Of the winning entry, 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 alongside other entries during the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, taking place from September 17 - 20 September. She has won tickets for the show and an annual Blenheim pass.

The winning pupil's classmates have been invited to enjoy a special day out at the event, and all entrants’ 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 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."

• Returning to the spectacular grounds of UNESCO World Heritage site Blenheim Palace from 17 to 20 September, the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials combine 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.