COUNTRY News equestrian fans have the opportunity to win four coveted tickets to this year's British Open Show Jumping Championships, which will be held in Sheffield's impressive Hallam FM Arena in April.

The four-day event will provide an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy the most spectacular line-up of equestrian displays and entertainment ever staged in this country, including a competition for the biggest single prize ever offered in British show jumping.

Thirty top international riders - including the best 12 British riders - will be invited to battle it out for the title of British Open Champion 2006 over the four days of competition from April 6-9.

The unique format for this championship comprises a class every day, including a Saturday afternoon golf-style elimination `cut', which determines the top 20 riders to contest the final on Sunday afternoon.

A wide range of additional show jumping classes will be held throughout the show, including the breathtaking British Open Puissance on Saturday evening.

The British Open is renowned for being a world class all round equestrian showcase offering a whole spectrum of innovative entertainment and some of the most awe-inspiring displays you will see anywhere in the world.

Headlining this year's attractions is the world famous flying Frenchman, Lorenzo, who presents a unique double bill, including the British debut of his new liberty display alongside his astonishing classic routine.

Grace and harmony epitomise the impressive sport of equestrian vaulting, which features at this year's event and involves a display of gymnastics on a moving horse.

Fast and furious scurry driving features in a nail-biting competition of thrilling, action- packed racing, as the double harness scurry carts whiz around the tight obstacles. The competition takes place every day with the final on Sunday.

After a great reception for last year's arena polo demonstration, the British Open has developed a new and enhanced competition for the 2006 show and two teams of professional polo players will be heading to the arena.

Jack Kidd, brother of supermodels Jodie and Jemma, and music promoter Bryan Morrison's son Jamie, will join England's best arena polo player, Tim Brown, in the highest goal arena polo match ever staged in the country.

For the first time in the UK indoor cross-country will take centre stage with some of the country's top eventers tackling a series of intricate bespoke cross-country jumps.

Mike Gill, director of Grandstand, the company behind the event, said crowds of more than 20,000 were expected.