TOP event horses and riders from across the country will be joined by local competitors for this weekend's Allerton Park horse trials.

The event has received a record number of entries and will include an international one-day event class for the first time. The two-star CIC class is fully subscribed and organisers have also needed to ballot numerous entries for the pre-novice and novice sections.

Stokesley rider Julie Robinson has three rides over the weekend, including Blue Bo, owned by Judith Grice of Staindrop.

The versatile 11-year-old gelding, purchased in 1995 from local producers Howard and Thornton, upgraded to advanced at the recent Henbury Hall event. He is by the well-known champion stallion Lostock Blue.

Since taking on the ride in November last year, Julie has gained 42 BHTA points from eight intermediate runs, including first place at another local event, Aske Hall.

The pair have also won almost £300 and tickets for several championships competing in classes at local BSJA shows.

Outside the eventing season, Blue Bo is frequently hunted with the Zetland by his owner. Julie, who hunts with the same pack, said: "Hunting is really good for teaching horses to cross-country and find an extra leg when needed. It also helps them to learn to jump where they can't see what is on the other side".

The Aske Hall event, run by the Zetland Hunt, has lost its place to run a second time this year. It was scheduled to run on September 21 and 22, but all BHTA events have been cancelled to allow supporters and helpers to attend the Countryside March in London on the Sunday.