AN OLYMPIC horserider is to give a masterclass at Oxfordshire’s biggest sporting event.

Carl Hester MBE, who rode to a gold medal victory with Britain’s dressage team at the London 2012 Olympics, will give demonstrations with other trainers at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials taking place on September 11-14.

The four-day competition sees horseriders from across the globe go head-to-head in dressage, cross-country courses, and showjumping.

It started in 1990 and is rated a three-star event by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports – the second highest level of eventing.

Mr Hester said: “I regularly attend as a spectator, so I’m delighted to be able to contribute some hints and tips to those who attend.”

It comes as organisers are continuing efforts to attract new sponsors, after previous title brand Fidelity pulled out last December after four years.

The Oxford Mail’s sister paper The Oxford Times is the event’s official media partner. Spokeswoman Mandy Hervieu said: “We are always looking for new sponsors, because the more we get the better facilities we can offer for the people who come along.

“That means continuing to talk to different companies and we have some very interested brands in the pipeline.

“We have not always had a title sponsor, but it is a massive opportunity for the right company.”