International stars in action at Bicton

A world-class field will be contesting Empire Coachbuilders Bicton Arena International Horse Trials, which run on August 22, and 23.

They include four riders in the FEI top 20 rider rankings – William Fox-Pitt, Sam Griffiths, Jonathan Paget and Paul Tapner - as well as a number of other well-known eventing stars.

World number two William Fox-Pitt will ride nine horses including his international four-star horse Cool Mountain in the open intermediate.

Australian Sam Griffiths rides include the hugely popular Happy Times who finished third at last year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and represented his country at London 2012.

Ludwig Svennerstal, who represented Sweden at the CICO 3* Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany recently, is another international rider who will be in action alongside Devon star Lucy Weigersma who returned to competitive action last month following the birth of her son Tomas and will ride Mr Chunky in the CIC2*.

Lucy said: “It will be a prep run before Burghley in September. I’ve been getting back into the swing of things post baby and it will be great for him to do his dressage test in the main arena. I wasn’t planning on running across country, but after our blip at Gatcombe, where we had a run out, I’ll give him a spin and test our new brakes!”

Westcountry-born Flora Harris, who has been selected to represent Great Britain on Bayano at the European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle in September, will be riding her 15.3hh gelding Billy Bandit in the CIC2*.

The event sponsors include Empire Coach Builders, Rathbones, a leading provided of investment management services, accountants Francis Clark, Mercedes Benz South West, Everys Solicitors, Harrison Lavers & Potburys Estate Agents, Winning Post Consultancy, Wray & Co Jewellers, Jon Bevan and Pete Appleford and equestrian retail outlets Wyvern Equestrian and Wychanger Barton.

Owners and grooms will also be recognized with prizes in kind donated by Bicton, Redpost Equestrian near Totnes best turned out in the two star competition.

Organiser Helen West said: “We’re delighted with the entries and hope people take the opportunity to come along and enjoy watching top riders in action.

"We’d also like to thank all our sponsors who so generously support the event as well as the volunteers, without whom it wouldn’t be possible to run at all.”

Entry is free on Friday and £10 per car on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information visit www.bictonarena.co.uk