The event also coincides with the official opening of a new all-weather surface that can house two international sized dressage arenas. A special celebration will take place during the event hosted by sponsors Western Counties Equine Vets which people are invited to attend by pre-booking their place (contact 01884 841100 to book). Starting at 6pm, there will be drinks and refreshments and a presentation by vet David Stack on the role of the vet in maximising the performance of competition horses.
Arena manager Helen West said: "It’s fantastic that this year Bicton Arena will be celebrating 40 years of staging horse trials here and that it coincides with the official opening of our new arena which will greatly enhance the competitions staged here. Western Counties Equine Vets are sponsoring the arena, which fits well with their new veterinary branch where people can bring their horses for routine examinations.
“Next weekend’s horse trials is the first of three affiliated events this year and we are particularly pleased with the entries we have received. We have some top class riders in action that will give spectators a wonderful opportunity to watch them in action.”
A wealth of riders who have represented their respective countries at Olympic games will be seen competing. They include Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt, Kitty King and Mary King; New Zealand’s Sir Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Tim Price; Australia’s Sam Griffiths, Canada’s Rebecca Howard and Japan’s Ryuzo Kitajima who was last year’s winner of the CIC2*.
The event has gained the support of several notable sponsors including Rathbones Investment Management, Elite Horse Owners and Horse Pursuit with Volvo providing the courtesy cars.
Entry is free on Friday and £10 per Car on Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit www.bictonarena.co.uk.