Top event rider and team trainer Nick Turner visited Easton College's Equestrian Centre to hold a clinic for young Norfolk event riders.

Nick, who is a Senior International Selector for British Eventing, is keen to help young riders improve.

'I've always been enthusiastic about riding, but my family had no background in the sport and I was not given the opportunity at a young age to develop my interest,' he said.

'Now that I am in a position to help other ambitious young riders I intend to.'

Hilary Francois, Equestrian Centre Manager, and David Sayer, organiser of the Great Witchingham Horse Trials, have teamed up to promote elite training for Norfolk young event riders. They both strongly believe that Norfolk young riders may be missing out due to training often being held out of the county

'British event riders can now start competing at the age of 12, but the number of events in Norfolk is low; more needs to be done to help our young riders,' said Sayer.

'By holding events and training clinics we aim to get more young riders from Norfolk recognised. With the exceptional facilities at Easton College and Great Witchingham, along with the willingness from elite trainers such as Nick Turner, we are able to start fulfilling our aim.'

The clinic was in high demand and Nick coached more than 20 riders during the course of the day, working on improving their balance, control and rhythm, positioning to the fences, new techniques and gaining confidence. And there is plenty more to come with plans for another clinic with Nick in the future, along with top trainer Yogi Breisner.

Nicola Stockton, a young Norfolk rider taking part in the clinic said: 'I want to be on the British Eventing Team and by attending today I have learned to improve my position and my horse's performance - the day was brilliant.'

• The Equine String Festival at The Pine Lodge School of Classical Equitation, Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, was a fantastic event combining classical music by Masquerade and stunning Lusitano horses. The horses, ridden by the some of the British Working Equitation team, performed a dressage display by German Grand Prix rider Uta Pulvermacher, who was flown in especially for the event.

The action-packed day finished with a breathtaking finale where the Pine Lodge Team rode with long batons ablaze with fire, twisting and turning to the music whilst the sun went down.