FANS of Carolyne Ryan-Bell and Leslie Law can see them pit their skills against top riders from all over the world at Blenheim International Horse Trials next week.

Ryan-Bell, from Willersey, on Peggy's Boy and Olympic silver medallist Law, from Inkberrow, on Perryfields Halo will be competing against 180 riders from 15 different countries.

On the home front they will be brushing shoulders with Oxfordshire-based William Fox-Pitt, Ian Stark and Pippa Funnell and former Badminton winners Mary King and Lucinda Green.

Event director, Mike Etherington-Smith said: "We've taken 144 entries of which some are wait-listed and, although I would like to accept more, the practicalities of the four-day timetable make it impossible.

"As it is we probably have to start dressage on Wednesday afternoon."

Mr Etherington-Smith, who doubles as a cross-country course designer, has made a number of significant changes to the route and fences this year.

The latter part of the track no longer runs through the Lince Wood but makes good use of the rise and fall of the grassland above the lake.

Some 12 changes will be made within the 28-fence course including seven all-new fences.

For tickets to the event on September 6 - 9, contact the Horse Trials Office on 01993 813335 or visit www.PetplanEquine.co.uk/Blenheim.