World-famous "horse whisperer" Monty Roberts will be at the Hickstead Equine Event, which opens a three day run at the All England Jumping Course on January 10. He will speak at the daily forums and sign copies of his new book "From My Hands to Yours," which will be on sale at the Event.

Over the last two decades, Monty Roberts has built a huge following for his methods of "talking to horses" and training by kindness. His book, which is based on "lessons from a lifetime of training championship horses," reveals for the first time a "dictionary of his non-verbal language" used to communicate with them.

Event organiser David Crockford said: "We are really thrilled that Monty has agreed to speak at the daily forums as we know he has a great following in Sussex and the rest of the country. His book is going to be extremely popular."

It will be the first time in 2003 that "From My Hands to Yours" is available on public sale in the UK, well in advance of its official launch date.

The Hickstead Equine Event will have about 100 traders offering post-Christmas bargains. Forums will begin at 11.15am daily and feature as well a series of comedy presentations based on popular television shows. Tickets will be £5, but early bookings made by calling 01273 822884 will earn a £2 discount.

http://www.hickstead.co.uk