The countdown is on as Blenheim Palace prepares to host one of the world's major international equestrian events.

The Blenheim International Horse Trials take place in the palace grounds at Woodstock from Thursday, August 31, until Sunday, September 3.

It is the first year the event has been held during the summer holidays and organisers are expecting up to 50,000 visitors.

Some of the world's leading riders will descend on Blenheim, fresh from the World Equestrian Games, to put on a top-class eventing show.

Pippa Funnell, the world champion, will be competing alongside William Fox-Pitt, Jeanette Breakwell and Mary King from the British team.

Although the trials begin on August 31, visitors will be able to see horses and their riders the day before as an inspection parade gets under way.

On Thursday and Friday, dressage tests will take place in front of the palace, followed by a cross-country event around the palace grounds on Saturday before the show jumping finale on Sunday.

Throughout the trials, a 'retail village' will open with more than 180 exhibitors, selling a range of items.

There will also be children's entertainment, sheepdog and falconry displays.

Last year, the trials hosted the European Championships and riders from 18 countries took part.

The British team claimed team honours for the sixth consecutive time and Zara Phillips, daughter of the Princess Royal and her former husband, Captain Mark Phillips, won two gold medals and was named Individual European Champion.

It was the first time the European Championships had been held in Britain since 1997.

The Blenheim International Horse Trials were started in 1990 by Mike Etherington-Smith, director of Chatsworth Horse Trials and worldwide equestrian eventing course designer.

Tickets for the Blenheim event can be booked by calling 0871 7694037.