ORGANISERS of this weekend's 25th anniversary Skipton Building Society Horse Trials are hoping that a drier part to the end of the week will make for perfect conditions.

With a reputation as a premier grassroots event in the equestrian calendar, the one day event - spread over two days and held at Heslaker Farm off the A59 at Carleton - attracts top riders from all over the country.

Its committed small committee is supported by an army of volunteers who help to make sure everything runs smoothly.

It is affiliated to British Eventing and as with top events, Badminton and Burghley, it includes dressage, show-jumping and cross country.

And it's not just for serious horse riders, families with well behaved dogs are welcome and there will be plenty of trade stalls and refreshments to keep people interested.

"We are hoping the sun will come out and that plenty of people from the area will come to watch all the horses and riders in action, as well as enjoying a spot of retail therapy," said committee member Kate Bower.

Action starts from early on both Saturday and Sunday and admission is £5 for adults and free for under 16s. Programmes cost £2.50.