EURO Wirral Parkgate Horse Trials and Country Fair take place in the grounds of Backwood Hall, off Boathouse Lane, over this weekend, September 18 and 19. Up to 400 riders are expected to compete in this top annual show in the equestrian calendar.

There are 20 testing fences set against a background of the Dee and Wales. Look out for the Marsh Cat and the Spectacle Fence, unusual obstacles to test both horse and rider.

Following recent tragic accidents at horse-riding events in other parts of the country, organisers at Wirral's Leisure and Tourism department have taken every possible precaution to ensure safety at this event.

Leisure Services Director Andy Worthington said that any loss of life is tragic. "Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones," he said, adding that with many sports there is often an element of danger but stressed that the course for riders at the Euro Wirral Parkgate Horse Trials is subject to stringent examination and meets regulated safety standards.

Competitors already confirmed for this year's event are Polly Clarke, the Cheshire-based National Horse Trials Champion, and Michael Owen, a young, up-and-coming rider.

There are plenty of other things for the family to do besides watching show-jumping action. There's a country fair with 60 stalls, Gerard Naprous with the Devil's Horsemen stunt-riding team, Western riding, Morris Men, children's farm and mounted police horses. North West Fire Brigade's parachute team will also be dropping in. Jeep dealers Cubbin and North will be bringing some motorised horsepower: their range of 4x4 vehicles.

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