The crowds began arriving at Woodstock today for the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, which run until Sunday.

The trials have been running in their present form for 20 years and this year’s event promises new facilities for visitors, trade stall holders and competitors.

It is hoped that the trials, now recognised as one of the world’s leading three-star events, will exceed last year’s crowds of 65,000 over the four days.

The gates opened at 7.30am today with the action getting under way with horse trials dressage, with free entry for shopping after 4pm this afternoon.

Dressage continues tomorrow, with the British team taking part in the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this month putting on a special demonstration at 5.30pm, in what will be their final demonstration before the world championships.

The cross country and show jumping events will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Fidelity International, the investment company, is now the title sponsor of the trials, with The Oxford Times again among the sponsors.

Full details of the event can be found at blenheim-horse.co.uk. Tickets are available on the gate.