NUNNEY International Horse Trials will take place next weekend, from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th June, and have seen a huge increase in entries for this year’s event.
Staged at Southfield House in Whatley, nearly 900 horses will be competing over the three days with some of the sport’s most famous names in action including William Fox-Pitt, Sir Mark Todd and Zara Tindall.
The event’s ambassador and committee member Sam Griffiths, a former winner of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and Australian Olympic team member said, “Nunney is a beautifully run event with a wonderful committee at the helm. The ground is always very well prepared and the courses ride well.
“The event is still only five years old but the organisers constantly innovate and listen to competitors so that year on year improvements are made.
“I am delighted to be involved with the event and it’s so pleasing that riders enjoy coming to Nunney.”
Zara Tindall’s entries include her top horse High Kingdom, a candidate for the Rio 2016 Olympics, in the open intermediate category. New Zealand Olympic rider Jonathon Paget has entered one of his two named Rio rides, Clifton Signature, in the same section.
Other top riders in action include Nicholas Astier, Christopher Burton, Gemma Tattersall, Kitty King, Laura Collett and Padraig McCarthy.
Organiser Bridget Parker said, “We are delighted with the number of entries, which has increased again from last year. There are several big names riding and it’s a wonderful opportunity for spectators to come along and watch them in action. We are so grateful to all our sponsors and to the volunteers who make running this event possible.”
Several trade stands and various local food outlets will be on site.
Entry to the event is free on Friday and £12 per car on Saturday and Sunday.
The cross country for the CIC2* and intermediate classes is scheduled for Sunday at 10am, and there is action over the fixed fences and showjumping on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Visit www.nunneyhorsetrials.co.uk for more details.
