If you think Bramham International Horse Trials are all about the horses, think again. Here are 10 more reasons to enjoy the event

1 Take in the Bramham Park house and gardens. Bramham Park, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire was built in 1698 and the grounds were 30 years in the making by the first inhabitant, Robert Benson, who was made the first Lord Bingley. The house has been called home by the same family for 10 generations.

2 Bring your dog along and join in the Tailwaggers’ Club dog agility tests. Plus, on Saturday, take part in the K9 Games or Sunday, there’s a fun Dog Show. You can also try for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze test to see what a great combination you and your dog are.

3 Visit the Fire Fighters Charity. Find out more about what they do, see some demonstrations of their rescue techniques and make a donation to help them continue their vital work.

4 The food hall has great local produce as well as amazing artisan products from all over UK and Europe and drinks to wash it down with. Enjoy the food outlets at the event too or why not bring a picnic but remember to take your litter home with you.

5 Members of the Pony Club take to the arena in show jumping and mounted games. It’ll be fiercely competitive, loud, fast and furious and above all, great entertainment.

6 A walk round Ian Stark’s stunning cross country has to be a priority so make sure you have sturdy footwear. Take in the park, its great views and of course the work of art at each fence created by David Evans, a truly skilled craftsman.

7 The Action and Adventure Area has quad bikes, Segways, the bungee trampoline and the chance to ‘walk on water’ with Zorb Balling. Ideal for adrenaline junkies.

8 Over 130 trade stalls cater for every taste from diamonds to cashmere, leather to lace, household to garden, you’ll be able to treat yourself. On Friday, June 7th it’s late night shopping when trader stalls stay open until about 8pm. Entry is free after 4pm.

9 Of course there’s the three eventing competitions; the Equi-Trek CCI3*, the British Equestrian Trade Association CIC3* and the Bishop Burton College Under 25 CCI3*, as well as the showing classes including Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, Burghley Dubarry Young Event Horse qualifiers, young stock competitions, a stallion parade and top-flight show jumping. The curtain comes down on the competition with the Wetherby Skips Bramham Grand Prix with a top prize of £1,500 on Sunday.

10 Play Olympic rider bingo. Spot the riders in three top eventing competitions. You’re likely to see the Antipodeans’ top names and riders from France, Ireland, Germany and Italy who are regular visitors. The Olympic silver medal team should be well represented too. William Fox-Pitt is in great form this spring and has won the event six times and Zara Phillips already has three entered. So, write your list, bring the binoculars, your autograph book and head on over.

How to book your tickets

The on-line and telephone box office is open until May 29th, after which tickets are available on the gate. Prices start at £10 per adult. Members’ badges allow entry to a ring side marquee with food and drink. Camping is available so bring a tent, caravan or horsebox to call home for the week and you’ll never be far from the action. Visit bramham-horse.co.uk or call 01937 846017 for more information