MORE than 500 riders from clubs across the country are preparing for the British Riding Clubs National Horse Trials Championship, which is being held in Warwickshire.

The event, which runs from tomorrow to Sunday, August 8 to 10, takes place at the Offchurch Bury Estate, near Leamington Spa.

Teams from across the area fought it out at the qualifiers, which were held near Chipping Norton in May.

They will be competing against some of the best young riders from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Deputy head of the British Riding Club Maggie Dyus said: "All the competitors have taken part in hotly contested qualifiers, so the three days promise to be action packed."

The competition gets under way tomorrow with the junior horse trials championship and the start of the open horse trials three-day event. Saturday sees the start of the novice two-day event, which - like the three day event - culminates on Sunday.

Offchurch Bury Estate boasts beautiful grounds with the River Leam providing natural water crossings for the road and track events. The event is free for spectators, who are welcome to bring picnics and dogs on leads. "It is a lovely day out in a fantastic setting - an ideal picnic opportunity," said Maggie. For more information about the event call 01926 707768 or log on to www.bhs.org.uk.