EQUINE athletes took to the field at the weekend for the 40th Wilton Horse Trials, held in the grounds of Wilton Estate, the ancestral home of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke.

Hundreds of spectators soaked in the sunshine while watching the show jumping, dressage and exhilarating cross country disciplines.

Established in 1976, this year's British Eventing challenge saw the addition of a BE100 course to it’s already very popular Novice and Intermediate ones, drawing competitors from Cornwall to Kent in the south and as far north as Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

Top eventers Mary King, Andrew Nicholson and Lucinda Fredericks were all competing at the Wilton event.

There was also an Area Qualifier for under 21’s (u21OIQ) and a Pony Club class, which featured many of the young stars of the future.

Anthony Ffooks, former British Eventing Technical Adviser for over 30 years, has been organising the Wilton event since 1998. He said the 40th anniversary horse trials were one to remember: “There were record entries, record numbers of spectators, record sponsors and ideal weather and ground conditions. Most importantly, there were no serious injuries to any horse or rider.”

For the full list of results go to britisheventing.com or follow the link on the wiltonhorsetrials.co.uk website