Today

The British Open Show Jumping Championships 2008 will take place between 3-6 April, with stars such as Zara Phillips due to make an appearance.

After a highly successful move to The NEC Arena, Birmingham in 2007, the prestigious indoor event is back with a spectacular programme of events.

For 2008, world-class riders from Britain and abroad have been invited to compete in this unique competition. Leading lady rider, Jessica Kurten, who is currently ranked 1st in Ireland and 5th in the World, will return to defend her title as the 2007 British Open Show Jumping Champion and compete in other top show jumping speed and jump-off classes.

Due to popular demand the British Open Indoor Cross Country can be seen during the Friday and Saturday afternoon performances of the Show. Leading eventers, including BBC Sports Personality 2006 Zara Phillips, will be invited to tackle a series of bespoke cross country fences in this highly acclaimed competition.

In addition, the impressive programme hosts some of the very best equestrian entertainment you will see in the country and promises to be the biggest and best event yet.

Aside from first class competition, the British Open is proud to present a broad spectrum of equestrian entertainment such as the thrilling Scurry Driving, the UK’s highest goal Arena Polo competition, high speed Barrel Racing and a graceful freestyle to music Dressage Display.

This year will see the return of movie stuntman, Daniel Naprous, and his team who will demonstrate their trademark daredevil tricks and aerobatics and, for the first time at the British Open, the specially crafted performance to music Parelli Natural Horsemanship display can be seen.

Visitors passionate about shopping can also enjoy the spacious Shopping Forum accommodating more than 100 stands and staging daily rider signings by top riders.

Round one of The British Open Show Jumping Championship itself commences on Thursday evening with two further rounds on Friday and Saturday, after which a 'cut' will decide the top twenty riders who will go forward to contest Sunday’s Final.

Other top show jumping classes include the Accumulator, the British Open Speed Stakes and the World Class Development Programme Championship 2008. Saturday evening will also once again host the crowd favourite Puissance where riders will face the imposing red wall.