THE balancing act between hosting a grand sporting event and at the same time doing some good has been well and truly mastered by organisers of this week’s Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.

The four-day spectacle at the Woodstock estate is now in its 25th year and its chosen charity partner, SeeSaw, is marking its 15th year.

At the horse trials will be a specially-built fence for SeeSaw, which supports bereaved children across the county. It was designed by David Evans, who has previously built courses at the Olympics.

SeeSaw fundraiser Jane Elliott said: “It has been fun and a privilege to work alongside the wonderful Blenheim event team.

“They have been so helpful and enthusiastic about having SeeSaw as their official charity this year.

“Please send photos of horses jumping over the SeeSaw seesaw – there will be a prize for the best action photo taken by a child.”

Staff from the Oxfordshire-based organisation will be joined by Harry Meade – a silver medalist at the 2014 World Championships in Normandy last year – during a special walk of the cross-country course at this year’s trials.

Organisers said Mr Meade would join the walks of the cross-country course on September 17 and 18, with those who attend given insights on how top competitors tackle it.

Mr Meade said: “It’s great that Blenheim is supporting such an important charity. SeeSaw provides specialist support to bereaved children and has helped thousands deal with the death of a family member.

“The course designers at Blenheim have done a wonderful job building the charity cross-country fence which we are looking forward to jumping.

“Hopefully the collaboration will raise lots of money and awareness for a very worthwhile cause.”

Our sister paper The Oxford Times is the official regional media partner of the event, which takes place from September 17 to 20 and is expected to attract some 60,000 people.

It is the biggest sporting event in the county.

Tickets for the walks cost £20 per person.

For more information, call 01865 744768. People can get in touch with the charity by emailing info@seesaw.org.uk.

Adult tickets to the horse trials start at £11 on Thursday, with free entry for under-12s. For more details, visit blenheimhorse.co.uk or call 01993 813335.