Get closer to the action with guide to Bramham's best

Thrills and spills

1. Ian Stark's new cross country course – particularly the Dickinson Dees Water (fences five and six), the Savills Sequence at nine, the Equi-Trek combination at 12 and 13 and the new Tuffa Boots water fence towards the end at 17 and 18.

Bring a picnic and eat your way round the six kilometres.

Shoppers' paradise

2. Late night shopping – Friday June 4 – entry is free after 4pm. What better way to start the weekend early? Catch the end of the dressage, walk a few cross country fences, enjoy some retail therapy and finish off with a meal and a Pimms.

Star attraction

3. See Britain's European Medallists in action – Individual and Team Gold Medallist Tina Cook, Individual Silver Medallist Piggy French and

Team Gold Medallists William Fox-Pitt (four times winner at Bramham),

Oliver Townend and, of course, our local star Nicola Wilson.

Between them they have 11 horses entered across the CCI and CIC competitions so there's plenty of opportunity to see them up close.

Jumping challenge

4. Mix and Match – a Sunday highlight for many where eventing's best combine with show jumping's stars in a fast and furious mix of coloured poles and cross country fences. This one always produces some excitement, sharp intakes of breath and show of riding skill plus laughs along the way.

Show-jumping finale

5. The Wetherby Skip Services Grand Prix – Sunday's traditional finale to the event where some of the country's best known names from the show-jumping world compete for a first prize worth 1,000.

Gourmet treats

6. Take time out to visit the Gourmet House – this area of the 120-strong trade stand village is well worth a browse. Everything to tempt the senses and palate – it's just worth walking around inhaling all the aromas.

Listen to the music

7. Wetherby Silver Band – old favourites at Bramham who provide the atmospheric music. They have quite a repertoire of old and new.

Make a donation

8. Breakthrough Breast Cancer trade stand – support this year's charity by making a donation.

Or why not volunteer on the day to be a "bucket shaker" – visit www. breakthrough. org.uk for details.

Don't forget the dogs

9. Tailwagger Club – even if you don't have a dog – it's hilarious watching.

Bring your dog along to have a go at agility, plus Saturday is the K9 Games and Sunday features a fun dog show.

Fun and games

10. The Great Yorkshire Show Pony Club Mounted Games – all riders have to start somewhere and this is usually the place.

The games teach balance, co-ordination, sportsmanship and riding skill –plus some laughs and great races along the way – catch them in the Equi-Trek East Arena on Saturday at 4pm or Sunday at 9am.

Highlight of the region's sporting calendar

While the organisers put the finishing touches to the course, competitors and spectators alike will be making their plans for the four-day event which has become such a part of the sporting calendar in Yorkshire.

Now in its 37th year, the annual event is held at Bramham Park near Wetherby, the home of the Lane Fox family and has become one of the country's top equestrian occasions. It attracts some of the country's leading riders including regulars such as William Fox-Pitt; Oliver Townend, Mary King and local rider Nicola Wilson.

Three eventing competitions will be held over the four days as well as showjumping and showing classes. One of the highlights of the weekend is the cross country on Saturday (June 5). That's the day to pack a picnic and get close to some of the daunting fences on the course where you can see your favourite riders in action.

Whatever your plans, there should be something to suit everybody, from Pony Club games and dog agility classes to the elegance of the dressage classes and the thrills of the cross country.

CW 29/5/10