Weather turns up the heat on competitors at horse trials

The surpringly warm weather meant it was a day for picnics, a glass of something fizzy and a gentle stroll around the trade stand for many visitors as they enjoyed the summer sunshine.

But it was a different matter for the riders, who were competing in the first day of the dressage section.

They managed to look cool, calm and collected as they rode into the arena but by the time they had finished their dressage test they looked as though they needed a shower.

The good weather looks set to continue today when there is more dressage to watch, followed by the thrills and spills of the cross country competition tomorrow.

Some of the best riders from this country and abroad are competing over the four days, including last year’s winner, Pippa Funnell. One well known name missing this year is Mark Todd, who recently won Badminton Horse Trials at the age of 55. He had planned to compete but had to withdraw as he did not think his horse, NZB Regent Lad, was fully fit.

George Lane Fox ran the first horse trials at Bramham in 1973 when he also designed the cross country course. He celebrated his 80th birthday last month and is still keen to keep up with everything that happens. Yesterday he was spotted taking a tour of the event by buggy.