HORSES sporting lustrous coats and majestic manes strutted their way through a world-class competition.

The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials began on Wednesday, featuring top equestrians including Olympian Zara Tindall.

The stately home in Woodstock will host the annual contest until tomorrow, raising money for Kennington-based brain injury specialists Headway Oxfordshire, which is its chosen charity this year.

Event director Mandy Hervieu said: "[The trials] provide a superb climax to the British eventing season – it is wonderful to be able to celebrate the tremendous success of our national teams in such an appropriate way.

"Sunday will be a fantastic day, with both cross country and show jumping action and spectacular displays in our famous attractions arena, including the popular high jump competition."

She described the dog-friendly event as 'the best day out you can imagine' and said it will include more than 200 trade stands at the on-site shopping village.

Headway Oxfordshire described the partnership as 'a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of equestrian safety'.

Demonstrations, displays and seminars are happening every day and the weekend's programme also features children's attractions.