After another successful event in 2017, Stratford Hills Horse Trials are once again looking forward to welcoming competitors and spectators to the 16th running of the trials this weekend, writes Debbie Wills.

The two days of the competition consist of three phases aimed to test the skills of the horse and rider – dressage, show-jumping and then finally the cross country.

David Carpenter continues as course designer following very favourable feedback from last year.

The course will go an anti-clockwise direction as last year taking a slightly different route in places.

There is a plan to have some new fences at all levels. The abundance of rain earlier in the year means there is excellent grass cover. The ground will be prepared as well as is possible including aerovating all riding areas if this is necessary.

There are novice sections including an ON under-18 qualifier due to the unfortunate loss at the abandoned Keysoe and BE100 sections including the U18 qualifier on the Saturday. On Sunday there is the BE90 and BE80 (T) classes.

Carriagehouse continue as core sponsor and there are many sponsors without whom the event would not take place.

Every year the organising committee choose a charity to support.

This year they are supporting The Friends of the Ferns A charity launched in 2013 to raise funds for a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) called The Ferns located in Ipswich.

The centre can very much be the first port of call for anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault in Suffolk.

If you would like to compete at Stratford, entries are now open and you will find all the necessary details on our website www.shht.co.uk.

If you are not a BE member there may be an opportunity to buy day tickets from British Eventing

Spectators are also very welcome to come along to watch all the action over the weekend.

Entry is £10 per car and includes all the occupants.

Stratford Hills in just off the A12 between Ipswich and Colchester CO7 6PA.

www.eadt.co.uk