THE Land Rover Gatcombe Park Novice and Intermediate Horse Trials have attracted a raft of top riders.

The event takes place from Friday to Sunday and  riders from 15 nations, the second largest number in the history of the event, representing Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Great Britain, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland are amongst the 520 strong entries.

Jamaica will be making their first appearance at the event.

Local regulars include Harry Meade, Tom McEwan, Nick Gauntlett and Julie Tew.

Other leading riders entered feature a strong New Zealand presence with Andrew Nicholson, Dan Jocelyn and Tim Price. Bill Levitt from Australia plus William Fox-Pitt, Oliver Townsend and Laura Collett all from here in the UK

Now in its 25th year of running, with continuous support from Land Rover, the event takes place on a course designed by HRH The Princess Royal and her event organiser Pattie Biden, utilising a different area of the Gatcombe Park Estate to that used by the Festival of British Eventing in August.

Starting at 8am on Saturday and 08.30 on Sunday (don’t forget the clocks go forward during Saturday night); dressage, show jumping and cross-country phases run throughout. The event attracts many interesting shops, which will include the Gatcombe Collection. At various times during both days, HRH The Princess Royal will present prizes.

Gatcombe Park is situated at Hampton Fields, mid-way between Minchinhampton and Avening; the event will be signposted from both directions.

Spectator admission is £6 for a car and all occupants and £4 for a programme.

For full information about directions, accommodation, course maps, timetable and all entries visit  www.gatcombehorsetrials.co.uk