Oldest horse show back on the road

Equestrianism

Less than three months ago, this week's Royal International Horse Show was under serious threat of cancellation, writes Genevieve Murphy. Now, as the international classes get under way at Hickstead today, its survival is beginning to look more like a revival of the oldest horse show in Britain.

Paul Schockemohle, three times European show jumping champion for Germany, is the unlikely saviour of this fixture and the British Jumping Derby meeting which will be held at Hickstead next month.

The support of his PST Group has brought in two new sponsors as well as attracting the best line-up of international riders.

Last year, when Nick Skelton gained his third victory in the King George V Gold Cup (the long-established show jumping contest for men) the overseas competition was much weaker. Skelton has the chance of another victory in Sunday's classic - this time with the talented young stallion, Virtual Village Tinka's Boy.