BLUE skies, sunshine and excellent riding were the hallmarks of the third British Event Horse Trials held at Askham Bryan College near York.

The event, held on Sunday of last week, attracted top riders from across the country who thoroughly enjoyed the challenging dressage, the cross country course set by Adrian Ditcham and Beau Wood’s show jumping section.

Talks are already under way to look at the feasibility of extending the event next year, perhaps to a second day.

The event included three sections, BE90, BE100 and BE 100 Open with some 260 competitors taking part.

Course builder Adrian Ditcham and his team has only recently been involved in helping to create the cross country course for the London 2012 Olympics.

Liz Philip, Chief Executive of Askham Bryan College said; “It was an amazing day and we got off to a good start with near perfect going.

“The weather could not have been better, there was some superb riding, and across a broad range of ages and ability.

“It was good to see one of our former equine students, Amie Slinger as one of the BE 90 Section winners.

“It’s a great opportunity for our learners to gain competition experience and also get to grips with the principles of event management.

“We’re now looking at how we can possibly expand and improve the event for 2013.”

The College has an impressive equine centre with an indoor arena, an outside school and stabling and support for up to 50 horses including a new horse walker.

As well as the British Event, it hosts a number of equine events across the year and has recently launched an equine clinic to be hosted by Christopher Bartle who guided the German Olympic team to a gold medal.

Students were very much involved in the day, helping build the course, marshal jumps and writing up the judges’ scores for the dressage.