Horseriders from all over Europe are taking part in the Garden of England International Festival of Western Riding at Bodiam this week.
The show kicked off today (Wednesday)and Saturday and Sunday will see the major Grand Prix classes.
The event will be showcasing some of the highest level Reining competitions, with both current Open World Champion, and Non Pro World Champions tra
velling from the continent to compete.
A total of 12 nations have been represented over the course of the competiton, vying for prize money of more than £35,000.
The Garden of England is one of the richest horse shows in England and is part of the prestigious European Reining Challenge with shows in Switzerland, Italy and Germany.
All of these efforts are helping Reining, already a full medal FEI discipline, charge up the ladder towards Olympic inclusion at London 2012.
Classes at the show this week have included the fast-paced and exhilarating Reining, which is often called the Western form of dressage and grew from the actions that ranch horses had to take in Frontier America.
And in Western Pleasure Classes, the horses and rider float round the arena wearing fabulous outfits and displaying smooth comfortable gaits.
This class came from the need to have a horse that could cover great distances whilst preserving energy and keeping the rider comfortable and safe.
Other events include Trail classes, children proving their rider and handling skills and the British Reining Team selection classes.
As well as the exciting competition, Sir Donald Sinden will be opening the circuit's new indoor riding arena on Saturday afternoon.
The arena will be the largest one of its kind in the South of England, and possibly the largest private indoor arena in the UK.
It will provide a place for young riders to be produced, international competitors to train and a safe and dry environment for the local riding and driving for the disabled.
Organisers Sterling Quarter Horses has been training and producing American Quarter Horses at World Class level for 20 years.
The business is part of R Sternberg Farms, who have farmed in the area for more than 60 years.
The business is loyal to the local area and all of the supplies for the show, where possible, have been sourced locally.
All of the food served will come from local suppliers, many local pubs and restaurants will feed the riders and accommodation ranging from a stately home to modest bed and breakfast has been booked out for the event.
Organisers say the event will bring in at least £200,000 to the local area.
The family event is free to spectators (car parking charge of £5), for further information contact Mary Le Pla or Francesca Sternberg on 01580 830701 or visit the show's web site at www.gardenofenglandcircuit.co.uk
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