Bicton Arena’s four-day showjumping extravaganza takes place next weekend (May 24 -27) when some of showjumping’s brightest stars will be in action, writes Lucy Johnson.

Hundreds of rounds will be negotiated over coloured poles in three separate arenas keeping an army of helpers and volunteers busy as East Devon comes alive with horsepower.

Top names heading to the Devon venue include William Funnell, Dan Moseley, Jamie Wingrove, Alice Watson, with many local showjumping personalities, including Andrew Williams and Sammi Jo Coffin also in action. On Friday the feature class is the Equipe Grand Prix, worth £1,000.

Simon Middleton, Managing Director, Zebra Products Ltd, the exclusive UK distributor for Equipe, said: “Equipe is delighted to be sponsoring the GP here at Bicton. As one of the leading brands in equestrianism, with brand ambassadors including Ben Maher, Equipe was keen to join forces with one of the key highlights of the showjumping calendar. The brand will also be supporting the class further by giving away a Synergy Special Jumping Saddle (worth £2,500), made of the finest quality Italian calfskin leather, to the GP winner.

“Equipe draws from the traditional crafts of saddle production, with each model made in-house using only the best Italian and French leather. Designed to satisfy the demands of professional riders and amateur enthusiasts alike, Equipe saddles are a tribute to elegance across all disciplines.”

The feature class on Saturday will be the Empire Coachbuilders Area Trial, which will see competitors tackling a 1.50m course and a bumper prize fund on offer.

Spectators can attend the show free, with other feature classes including the Empire Coachbuilders High Jump on Friday evening and Saturday’s Zebra Bedding Fancy Dress 1.30 Speed class with the Riviera Dogs providing the evening entertainment.

Sovereign Equestrian will sponsor a 1.20 open, with a beautiful rug awarded to the winner. Other sponsors include J Mincher, Redpost Equestrian, Dimlands Riding School, Sheepham Saddles, Bardun Stud, Tacklockers and Kwik Stairs.

Arena Manager Helen West said: “It’s going to be a very busy four days and we’re delighted that we have attracted so many well-known names from showjumping. Spectators will be spoilt for choice with action in all three arenas throughout the four days and we hope everyone feels very welcome to come along and enjoy the evening entertainment too.”