Plans are on course for one of the country’s leading international eventing experiences at Bramham Park, West Yorkshire

The spring may be late arriving but plans are running on schedule in the build-up to this year’s Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials taking place June 6th–9th. And 2013 is even more special as it’s the event’s 40th birthday. Last year the trials came to the rescue of the entire sport in providing vital competition in a rain decimated season – especially for those looking for Olympic selection. This year promises to be every bit as exciting with three top class eventing competitions in the Equi-Trek CCI3*, the BETA CIC3* and the Bishop Burton College U25 CCI3* where the world’s elite riders come together.

William Fox-Pitt has won the event six times while top names like Zara Phillips, Kristina Cook, Andrew Nicholson and Mark Todd are regular visitors – plus of course local Olympic team silver medallist Nicola Wilson. Add to this some top-flight showjumping where fences reach over 1.5m, an array of showing classes and some fast and furious Pony Club Mounted Games and show jumping and you have the best equestrian family-fun in Yorkshire.

This year there are over 130 trade stands. Foodies will be in heaven with a great selection of food outlets and children will have plenty to keep them busy in the Action and Adventure Zone.

The main eventing competitions feature dressage on the Thursday and Friday with the ever popular cross country phase on Saturday. The riders will tackle Ian Stark’s course which is taking shape in Bramham Park with several new fences being built under the skilled direction of David Evans. The CCI sections come to a climax on Sunday when just the role of a coloured pole could mean agony or ecstasy in the all-important showjumping.

This year’s nominated charity is the Fire Fighters Charity which supports its service men and women in need.

Entry ticket prices start at £10 but if you book on-line or by telephone before May 29th car parking is free which is a saving of £5. A members’ pass with prices starting at £5 gives you access to ring-side seating, a great selection of food and a licensed bar. There are season or weekend tickets available for the full Bramham experience including camping, but these sell out fast.

Keep up-to-date with all the news at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials via the website bramham-horse.co.uk or on Twitter @BramhamPark or on Facebook – facebook.com/bramhamhorsetrials.