The New Zealanders are out in force for this weekend's CIC*** international three-day-event at Barbury Castle in Marlborough, which has attracted a record 150 entries.
Leading the Kiwi contingent is Andrew Nicholson, who rides Henry Tankerville, Lord Killinghurst, and Silbury Hill. Joining Nicholson is Annabel Wigley (Black Drum), Bundy Philpott (Fig Jam), Dan Jocelyn (Silence, Maraitai) Joe Meyer (Ease on Fire, Black Andy).
Tim Price, Dan Jocelyn, Joe Meyer, Andrew Nicholson, Jonelle Richards, and Neil Spratt will also start in the novice classes.
Barbury Castle Horse Trials Chairman Nigel Bunter said organisers were grateful for the support of riders for the event, particularly considering that Aachen is running at the same time.
"We always try to avoid balloting and so, with the kind support of the Ground Jury and Technical Advisor, we are hoping to give 130 the chance to run in the CIC***. As a result of the high entries (for all classes) and advance ticket sales, we have decided to increase the winner's purse to £6000, with prize money extended down to the top 30 placings," he said.
In its third year of running, Barbury has attracted its two former champions back to try for a second title - the in-form William Fox-Pitt and Ballincoola (2005) and Polly Stockton and Tom Quigley (2006).
Both should stand strong chances with proven success over this challenging course which provides some of the best spectator viewing and going in the world. They will be joined by other top British riders including: Mary King (winner at Chatsworth this year), Jeanette Brakewell, Oliver Townend, Kristina Cook, Matthew Wright and Daisy Dick (who was a close second at Barbury last time). They will all be looking to impress the British team selectors ahead of The European Eventing Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy (13-16 September).
In addition, Lucinda Green makes her first Barbury appearance with one of her best horses for many years, Cry Freedom. And 18-year-old Lissa Green (daughter of Competition Director, David and his former wife, Lucinda) also competes in the Open Novice section.
As well as the New Zealand contingent, the British will face hot competition from 11 other nations, including: Andrew Hoy (for Australia) Samantha Albert (Jamaica), Leonard Goerens (France), Eddie Stibbe (Dutch Antilles) and Michael Diamantides (Greece). Ireland will be represented by a strong contingent at Barbury which will be their official try out to represent their team at The Europeans.
A place on the British team will also be at stake for 12 junior (18 and under) shortlisted riders who will be competing against each other in the final trial run before their international championships this year at Avenches (Switzerland, 2-5 August).
Local Wiltshire riders to watch out for include: Rodney Powell (Swindon), Sammi Mcleod (Marlborough), Paul Tapner (Swindon), Louisa Lockwood (Salisbury) and Clare Horner (Swindon); as well as New Zealander, Andrew Nicholson who is based near Marlborough.
Barbury Castle Estate's strong links with the world of horseracing will also be to the fore with over 30 trainers expected to join Barbury's resident trainer, Alan King, to watch young jockeys of the future compete in Barbury's pony racing (on the Saturday night) and some of the country's thoroughbreds put through their eventing paces in the new Racehorse Trainers Event Series.
"We are delighted with the level of interest from world class riders and look forward to a really exciting competition. Spectators will be able to enjoy the sport at close quarters whilst being treated to a new and bigger choice of attractions designed to offer entertainment for all the family," said Nigel Bunter.
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