The Business of Bolesworth
Nina Barbour, the visionary behind Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International, looks back on stand out moments and reveals what exciting additions are in store this year
The Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International has been a highlight fixture on the calendar since 2008. Looking back over the past 17 years, what have been some standout moments for you?
There have been plenty of standout moments, being the first rider to compete in the main arena or when a local rider wins the Grand Prix and it really means a lot for them are a couple of examples. What I’m most proud of though, is the scale of the journey. What started as a passion project has become a globally recognised event, and we’ve done that by constantly pushing forward.
The sport is always a highlight, bringing world-class riders to Cheshire and hosting Longines Ranking classes at CSI 4* level, but what excites me just as much is what’s grown around it.
Bolesworth has become a place where people come to connect, to do business and to enjoy something that feels genuinely different. It’s not transactional; it’s experiential.
And then there’s the atmosphere. Families coming back year after year, friends coming to socialise, people building it into their summer. That sense of loyalty and momentum; that’s when you know you’re building something that matters.
This year’s event will raise the bar with top-tier equestrian action. How important is it to keep the high level of sporting competition, especially on the global equestrian stage?
Non-negotiable. The sport is the foundation. If you want to sit on the global stage, you have to deliver at that level, consistently. That’s what attracts the best riders and horses. But it’s also about creating moments people remember. Seeing that level of competition up close is powerful, whether you’re in the industry or completely new to it. That balance of world-class sport in an environment that feels open and engaging is exactly what defines Bolesworth.
The show makes its highly anticipated return from 26 June to 5 July with an exciting new concept, “The Art of Horsepower.” Can you share the vision behind the concept and what visitors can expect?
“The Art of Horsepower” is about bringing two worlds together that naturally belong side by side - elite horses and exceptional cars. Both are about performance, precision and design. There’s a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage and innovation. But we’re very clear that showjumping remains the heart of Bolesworth. Everything else is designed to enhance the experience.
The Bolesworth Concours is a big step forward, a new addition to this year’s event, and one we’re incredibly excited about. Concours events are usually reserved for some of the most prestigious global locations, renowned for automotive content, so to create something of that calibre here is a really special moment.
It will be curated, elegant, and immersive and will feature some of the country’s most prolific classic cars. The judging panel is truly world-class and is headed up by Iain Tyrrell, a seasoned concours judge and world-renowned classic car restoration expert.
Overall, this year is about layering the experience - sport, automotive, lifestyle - so that it feels fresh, ambitious and very deliberately “beyond the expected.”
The Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International is ever evolving - what new elements are set to be introduced this year?
We don’t believe in standing still. if we did, the event wouldn’t be where it is today.
This year is about elevating the experience. The free to access Champagne Terrace brings a more relaxed, social energy, while the Drivers Lawn and Concours introduce a new dimension through automotive.
We will be welcoming a fresh team of personalities connected to the fast moving worlds of horses, cars and luxury lifestyle - Emma Walsh and Tom Exton (TGE), along with existing friends and connections Michael and Gemma Owen, Rick Parfitt Jr, and from the business world local icon Alex Loven who will be talking to Mike Bushell at our Business lunch on Thursday 2nd July.
We’re also introducing Retraining of Racehorses showjumping classes, which is something I feel strongly about, where we will be showcasing the next chapter for these horses and supporting the work behind it.
Every addition is intentional. It’s about keeping the event evolving while protecting the quality and identity people expect.
The Women in Business event has become a cornerstone of Bolesworth International over the years, with this year set to be hosted by the lovely Lucy Meacock. As a business leader yourself, why is it vital for Bolesworth to create a platform purely for females to connect and learn?
It’s incredibly important and very personal to me. Creating a space where women can connect, share honestly, and support each other shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be normal.
What we’ve built at Bolesworth isn’t forced networking; it’s a genuine environment where conversations happen naturally. If someone leaves with more confidence, a new connection, or even just a shift in thinking, that’s powerful.
This year’s Business at Bolesworth event is set to host Alex Lovén as a speaker. What is your criteria when selecting guest speakers and what takeaways do you hope the local Cheshire business community gains?
We look for people who are credible, but also honest, those willing to talk about the challenges as much as the successes. Alex Lovén is a great example of that. His journey building Net World Sports reflects the kind of ambition and resilience we want to bring to the stage. But the real value often happens off-stage. Bolesworth is designed so that conversations turn into opportunities. If people leave with stronger networks, new ideas, and a bit more momentum, then it’s doing exactly what it should.
Talking of local Cheshire businesses, how does Bolesworth International work in partnership with businesses, and what key benefits does this collaboration offer?
Partnership is a big part of how we’ve built Bolesworth. We’re proud to be based in Cheshire, and we want to showcase the best of what’s here. At the same time, we’re bringing in national and international brands, which raises the level for everyone. For partners, it’s not just exposure; it’s alignment. They’re part of shaping the experience. At its best, it’s a collaboration that elevates both sides and positions Cheshire on a much bigger stage.
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