Two-day bumper package planned for THE FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE 2002 Highclere Castle, Sunday 25 August & Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2002

Thousands of horses and riders and spectators, are expected to descend on Highclere Castle, near Newbury (Berkshire) for The Festival of the Horse 2002 and The International Horse Trials, which this year will be a two day equestrian show with a packed programme of events – including two days of cross country - and a more spectator-friendly layout.

As part of the increased support from Mitsubishi Motors Reading - the cross country course will include a Badminton-style Mitsubishi pick-ups fence for the first time, and Mitsubishi will host a charity luncheon for The Spinal Injuries Association in a new mobile executive hospitality suite from Golden Corporate. The Festival will also feature:

* More Horse Trials cross-country – always the most popular attraction at Highclere with it’s creatively designed Egyptian-themed course, backdrop of Highclere Castle and natural amphitheatre. The Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate Horse Trials on the Monday will be preceded by a new pre-Novice event, giving two whole days of cross country excitement.

* A more spectator-friendly course layout with the Start being routed near the Main Arena for the first time (and with The Finish close by) and the cross country commentary to be broadcast to Main Arena spectators.

* Many of Britain’s top riders who will have travelled their horses down overnight from Scotland’s Blair Castle Horse Trials, before moving on to The Burghley International Horse Trials four days later; with British team members set to depart for The World Equestrian Games at Jerez in Spain (10-22 September). Past Highclere winners and regular competitors include Andrew Nicholson, Blyth Tait, Mark Todd (now based in New Zealand) and William Fox-Pitt. Highclere presents an ideal opportunity for the top riders to bring on their stars of the future – a look back at the past results for this event, reveal that this year’s Badminton winners, Supreme Rock and Pippa Funnell were third at Highclere back in 1997.

* Displays including:

· The Fullers Heavy Horses and The Heavy Horse Riding Club of Great Britain (Ridden Shire Horses)

· American Saddle-breds

· Wiltshire-based Horse Whisperer, Gary Witheford

· Dressage-to-Music

* Other Competitions Including:

· Show Jumping including: Foxhunters and Newcomers classes and Grand Prix for top international riders

· The Woodstock Furniture Side Saddle Jumping and Period Costume Classes

· The Great Highclere 60 mile Endurance Ride

· Disabled Carriage Driving

· A Dog show (open to all)

* The chance to shop for some unusual gifts, clothes, country and home wear at The Festival’s own Shopping Village trade stands.

* The enthusiastic support of Lord Carnavon and his family. Lord Carnarvon usually presents the prizes, The Hon Harry Herbert has entered his Boxer, Lettie, in the Dog Show in the past and his wife Chica (a keen eventing owner) plans to enter her horse Queen’s Council who was placed here last year.

Tickets to The Festival of The Horse will be £6 on Sunday and £8 on Monday (Toddlers Free and Children Half Price). These prices include parking. Gates open from 9am daily. No advance booking is required. Highclere Castle is located just South of Newbury, off the A34 Bypass. For further details visit www.highclerecastle.co.uk or call: 07836-213338.

THE FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE 2002 - PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE:

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