COTSWOLD RIDERS were out in force at Salperton Park Horse Trials near Cheltenham last weekend and dominated the results table.

Young superstar Laura Collett took her Badminton first-timer Rayef to the event; it was the pair’s first official outing since achieving eighth place at Badminton and they managed to clinch fourth spot in the competition.

Laura, from Membury, Wiltshire, was particularly nervous to succeed at Salperton as the event is organised by Rayef’s owner, Jason Houghton.

The pair led the dressage on a fantastic 22.5 penalties before adding 12.8 time faults across country, eventually finishing fourth in the Advanced Intermediate.

Laura also managed second place in the Novice Sec J on Outward Bound.

Top Malborough-based eventer Andrew Nicholson rode eight horses over the weekend. He won the Novice Sec H on Sirio, and came second in the AI on Nereo.

Coral Keen, from Little Cheverell, near Devizes, proved she is still one to watch when placing fifth and eight respectively with Wellshead Fare Opposition and Wiverna.

Keen was forced to retire her other mount Opposition Real Deal after the dressage, after achieving a great score of 32.50.

Highworth-based rider Paul Tapner continued his successful season. In the Novice sections, Tapner managed second with Vrolijk in Sec K, and fifth with Supreme Watts in the Section I.

In the intermediate section, Tapner and Caicos came seventh. All three made double clears.

Zara Phillips of Gatcombe placed tenth in the AI on Lord Lauries.

BARBURY HORSE TRIALS is fast approaching and is a firm favourite on the eventing circuit.

The top event promises a weekend of world-class riding with plenty of trade stands and attractions for spectators, all set in the spectacular grounds of Barbury Castle near Marlborough.

The two- and three-star competition runs from July 7-10 and also includes the Burghley Dubarry Young Event Horse Class.

Barbury is also hosting the Wiltshire County Show and there is the added extra of helicopter rides around the estate. These can be booked on the day for a charge of £35 per adult.

Once again the show is supporting the Army Benevolent Fund, and serving members of the armed forces will be putting on a great show with parachute displays and a marching band.

Nigel Bunter, the owner of Barbury Castle Estate said: “It has always been our aim to grow the event and provide a wider family day out and we are thrilled to be hosting the Wiltshire County Show again in 2011.”

Tickets cost £15 per person on Saturday and Sunday with children U12 free. Ticket prices include entry to the horse trials and the County Show.