Barbury horse trials give Marlborough a pre-Olympic treat

This year’s Barbury Horse Trials (June 28 – July 1) will be a very special event as British and other international event riders will be taking a last run there before the Olympics. So if you can’t get to the Greenwich Olympic arena, you can outdo the lucky ticket holders with this local preview of these exciting competitions.

Last year Pippa Funnell on Billy Landretti (pictured right) won the senior class of the three day event with a close-run finish to the final, cross country stage on the last day. This year the organisers expect a big entry of international riders – and bumper crowds.

The trials – sponsored by St James’s Place Wealth Management – open at 8.00 am each day  for four days of quality dressage, show jumping and cross country.  One of the great advantages of Barbury is that spectators can see all cross country course from the main arena.

Nigel Bunter, owner of Barbury Castle Estate, looks forward to a great occasion:  “This year’s horse trials are a significant pre-cursor to the Eventing discipline at the London Olympics and we will ensure the venue is in top condition for competitors and visitors to enjoy.”

“We want to encourage as many people to come and join us particularly if they have had no luck in securing Olympic tickets as this is an excellent opportunity to see some of the world’s best horses and riders compete before London 2012”.

This year’s nominated charity for gate collections is the Army Benevolent Fund.

On the Saturday and Sunday spectators have the extra attractions of the Wiltshire County Show on the same site.  This year the Show will feature a Festival of Food with celebrity chefs and local produce well to the fore, and over a hundred stalls and shops.

Marlborough News Online will be bringing you all the news during the build-up to the Trials and news of how the riders and horses perform as the events proceed.

Advance tickets for the event are £12 per person, with under twelves going free.  For ticket information visit the Barbury Horse Trials website or call the box office on 01672 516125.