THE Land Rover Gatcombe Park Novice and Intermediate Horse Trials will be held for the 23rd year near Minchinhampton over the weekend of March 28-29.

Riders from 14 nations will be represented and some of the leading riders in the world are among the 600 entries including Britain’s William Fox-Pitt, top New Zealanders Sir Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson and successful Australian riders Paul Tapner and Sam Griffiths.

Among the best local hopes are Harry Meade, Kitty King, Panda Christie, Julie Tew and the Crudwell-based Frenchman Leonard Goerens.

Now in its 23rd 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.

It boasts a different course on the Gatcombe Park Estate to that used by the Festival of British Eventing in July.

Starting at 9.00am on both days, dressage, show jumping and cross-country phases run throughout. The event attracts many interesting shops and 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 our web site www.gatcombehorsetrials.co.uk.