The championship meeting for the 2004 South Essex Insurance Brokers/PSOA Trailblazer series has been extended to four days (August 5-8)

"This will be the fourth year of the series, and the numbers going forward to the final have steadily increased," said Permanent Show Organiser Association (PSOA) chairman Norman Bargh. "Last year about 58,000 riders competed in first rounds, from which about 1,950 qualified for the three day final - which left us very tight for time."

In the 2003-2004 series, a total of 44 PSOA centres - six more than in the previous year - are holding first round showjumping and dressage qualifiers and rider registrations are up by about 800.

The four-day championship competition will again be held at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, with two days set aside for dressage and two for showjumping.

"The series grows each year," said Mr Bargh. "We are really amazed by the interest and are being encouraged to look at it very closely to see how it can be improved." And South Essex equine marketing manager Nicolina MacKenzie commented: "Our faith in this PSOA venture has been more than justified."

For more information, call the PSOA office at 01254 820499 or visit the website at www.psoatrailblazers.co.uk which carries a full list of participating centres.

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