HARTPURY College are once again hosting the Mitsubishi Motors International three-day event and country festival which got underway yesterday (Thursday).

Spectators can see some exciting eventing, with over 200 competitors from 14 nations including Hartpury-sponsored, Olympic gold medalist Leslie Law and four-times Olympic gold medalist Matt Ryan (Aus).

The competition will also give visitors a chance to see some of Britain's up-and-coming riders with former young rider bronze medalists Abi Walters and Isabelle Taylor.

Dressage takes place today (Friday), from 9.30am, before riders tackle Olympic designer Mike Etherington-Smith's testing cross-country tomorrow (Saturday), which will be run under short format rules for the very first time.

All eyes will be on the main arena for the decisive show jumping on Sunday from 10am when the final placings will be decided.

As well as top class eventing, visitors will be treated to a host of other displays and attractions. New for this year are the 'Knights of the Damned' jousting display and the English vaulting team who will be representing Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games in Aachan next year.

Back after popular demand, are the 'No Limitz' motor bike display team, who will perform breathtaking stunts in the main arena including jumping over cars and through fire hoops.

Other attractions include an extensive shopping village and activities such as an inflatable playground, face painting, archery, mini quad bikes and the Mitsubishi Off Road Driving Challenge. There's plenty to do even before you watch some of the UK's elite three day event riders compete for the 2005 title.

For more information or to book tickets visitors should ring 01452 702126 or visit www.hartpury.ac. uk/eventing.

Entry is just £10 per car with no additional entry fee to pay.