Amateur eventers took to the stage on the opening day of the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in the Dodson & Horrell Eventer Challenge classes.
Caroline Bell won the Dodson & Horrell 100cm Eventer Challenge class riding eight-year-old Sir Castor
Troy. Caroline, who lives in Moreton-in-Marsh, was thrilled to be announced as the overall 100cm winner.

“Troy jumped amazingly today,” she said. “I was keeping my eye on the clock but it was hard to keep the poles up as well. He has been fantastic all season but I usually let him down in the dressage so it was great that today I didn’t have to do that phase! He seemed to have as much fun as I did. I bought Troy as a five-year-old – he is very cheeky but he looks after me. This is my first year competing in this class – thank you to Dodson & Horrell for sponsoring this competition. It’s very well run and everyone is friendly and helpful.”
Sophie Albery and the 11-year-old New Forest pony Wayland Timberry took the Dodson & Horrell 90cm Eventer Challenge overall title.

Sam Horrell, CEO of Dodson & Horrell, said: “The SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is a very special event for Dodson & Horrell and one which we particularly look forward to each year. The competition today has been nail-biting and this is just the start of three days of Eventer Challenge competitions. Congratulations to todays’ winners and good luck to everyone else competing over the next few days.”