Some of the world's best eventers are heading to Norfolk for two spectacular sporting competitions.
Today we announce that this year's Burnham Market and Houhgton International Horse Trials have been sponsored by equine magazine EQ Life in association with the Eastern Daily Press.
ADAM LAZZARI reports...
Thousands of people will be gathering to see hundreds of Olympic and top international riders do battle in two of the most highly-anticipated competitions in East Anglia's sporting calendar.
And fans of the EQ Life Burnham Market and Houghton International Horse Trials can expect unrivalled coverage of the two events which provide some of the most spectacular sights, gripping sporting drama and enjoyable family fun in the region.
Event director Alec Lochore said he was delighted to again be working closely with EQ Life, as official sponsors, the EDP as media partners, and Norfolk and Waveney's Big C as the competitions' first official charity.
He said: 'We've got an extraordinary entry of world class competitors and I'm sure they will be exceptionally good competitions.
'These are two of the biggest sporting events in the east of England and they also provide great family days out.
'We are delighted to be teaming up with EQ Life, the EDP and Big C.
'We've worked with EQ Life and the EDP for several years so it is great to be strengthening that relationship and I'm sure they will be providing excellent media coverage of these fantastic events.'
He added: 'We have supported many charities over the years but this is the first time we have had an official charity. Big C is a well-respected local charity which is doing some great work so we hope we can help to raise their profile and secure more funds for them.'
Organisers of the EQ Life Burnham Market International Horse Trials are putting the
finishing touches to this annual event, which runs from April 17 to April 19 at Sussex Farm, Burnham Market.
The EQ Life Houghton International Horse Trials will be in the stunning parkland of Houghton Hall, near Fakenham, between May 22 and May 25.
Annie Basey-Fisher, publisher of EQ Life, said: 'These competitions give people the chance to see top flight horses and riders at their peak competing in Norfolk.
'These are two of the highlights of Norfolk's equestrian year. We are very excited to be sponsoring both events and those who attend can expect to witness some top class action.'
Rachel Francis, community fund-raiser for Big C, said: 'We are absolutely over the moon.
'It is wonderful for us to be the official charity of two such high profile events.'
Entered into Burnham Market this year are British team stalwarts William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, Pippa Funnell, Tina Cook and Nicola Wilson.
Norfolk rider Piggy French, from North Elmham, near Dereham, a past European individual silver medallist, will also be competing, alongside 2013 British senior squad debutants Izzy Taylor and Tom McEwen.
Multiple Olympic gold medal winners Sir Mark Todd and Andrew Hoy and Four Star winners Oliver Townend and Paul Tapner, have also thrown their hats into the ring, as has the reigning world number one Andrew Nicholson.
Running three weeks before Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, the Easter weekend is the perfect time for a final outing before tackling the most famous three-day event in the world.
Organisers of the EQ Life Burnham Market International Horse Trials also wish to thank other sponsors and supporters which include The Hoste, Burnham Market; Ben Burgess agricultural machinery company; Suzuki; Bedmax; Equi Trek; GJL Animal Feeds; Baileys Horse Feeds; TopSpec; Feedmark; Devoucoux; Butcher Andrews; and Hayes & Storr.
Look out for extensive coverage of the EQ Life Burnham Market International Horse Trials this month and the EQ Life Houghton International Horse Trials in May in the EDP and in EQ Life magazine, both in print and on the websites www.edp24.co.uk and www.eqlife.co.uk
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.musketeer.co.uk
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