With over £17,000 of prize money on offer, the Essex County Showground Equestrian Club's grand prix meeting on July 30 to August 1 is one not to miss.

Four well-watered rings, course building by top designers, magnificent sets of show jumps and 43 exciting show jumping classes for all abilities looks set to make the third running of this annual event a show to remember.

The three day show culminates with the innovative Horse & Hound sponsored 'Riders of the Millennium Challenge', which takes place on Sunday afternoon between the young rider selection trials and the £1,000-to-the-winner Grand Prix.

Marion Mould is among the show jumping stars of yesteryear who are expected to come out of retirement to compete in this special two round team event, in which past, present and future Nations Cup riders have been invited to take part.

The schedule for the show, which incorporates the South-East of England Championships for all grades of horses, includes the Horse & Hound Foxhunter and Badminton Horse Feeds Newcomers semi-finals as well as an Aon six-year-old qualifying competition.

The young riders selection committee will be at the event to consider the performances of the competitors in the Under 18 and Under 21 classes, while pony riders will also enjoy a comprehensive programme, including a Squibb & Davies Junior Foxhunter semi final and championships for all grades and heights.

With places for the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley at stake, the show has already attracted interest from some of the Country's top show jumpers and with such an abundance of talent in the County, local riders will be well represented.

Competitions start at 8.30am each day and the admission prices are £3.50 for adults, £2 for children with a family ticket for £7.50.

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