THE Barbury International Horse Trials have honoured one of its most successful competitors, the horse Avebury, by naming its most famous fence after it.

Avebury is ridden by Andrew Nicholson, whose stables are based just outside Marlborough.

Last year the pair completed a historic hat-trick when winning the prestigious Barbury International three star competition for a third consecutive time.

To mark this achievement, in addition to the re-naming of the Avebury fence, the Barbury Horse Trials has released a short film about the horse called The Avebury Story.

The film documents the remarkable achievements of Averbury and what makes him such a special horse.

The video can be found by clicking HERE.

Commenting on the filming, Andrew Nicholson said: "Avebury loves Barbury and he also loves the camera so filming this video was good fun.

“We are all proud of what he has achieved here and look forward to being back at Barbury in a few weeks time.”

Avebury was bred by Andrew, raised in Wiltshire and named after the world heritage site - The Avebury Stone circles, located just a few miles from Barbury.

Furthermore, Avebury is a regular visitor to the Barbury Estate where he works on its famous gallops.

Nigel Bunter, Chairman of Barbury International Horse Trials, said: "After winning Barbury for a remarkable third time, and with Avebury's local connections, we wanted a lasting tribute and felt renaming our most iconic cross-country fence was fitting to a wonderful horse.

“We hope Avebury fans will enjoy our film on him. We want to encourage as many as possible to visit Barbury in July to see a living legend, and maybe history repeating itself with a four timer.”

Recently retired jump jockey, AP McCoy OBE, is earmarked to make a return to the saddle at this year’s horse trials in Barbury in the JCB Champions Challenge on Saturday, July 11.

The race will feature jump jockeys taking on event riders over a specially designed course, including a water jump, and looks set to be one of the highlights of the trials.

The St. James’s Place Wealth Management Barbury International Horse Trials take place July 9-12.

Tickets start from £12 per person per day booked in advance, while children under 12 years go free.

For more information on the event visit barburyhorsetrials.co.uk.