Royal opening for National Riding Week

Equestrianism

The Princess Royal will be helping to launch the first National Riding Week, which runs from 23 to 29 March, when she designs the course for the Gatcombe Horse Trials, writes Genevieve Murphy.

The fixture includes an advanced intermediate class on 23 March, designated as Competition Day for National Riding Week. Participants at Gatcombe will include Matt Ryan, the 1992 Olympic champion, who yesterday announced a further year of sponsorship by Wine of Australia.

Gatcombe is one of 2,500 events planned for National Riding Week, with the intention of increasing the number of riders in this country to more than the current two million.

THEMES FOR NATIONAL RIDING WEEK (23-29 March): Competition (Sunday), Welfare (Monday) Careers, Education and Training (Tuesday), Countryside and Safety (Wednesday), Opportunites for the Disabled (Thursday), Take a Friend Riding (Friday), Fun Day (Saturday).