AS one of Oxfordshire's biggest sporting event gets ready to launch course designer David Evans takes in the view at the historic Blenheim Palace venue.

The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials will run from September 13 to 17.

Designer for the course which will take place at the Woodstock stately home Mr Evans is pictured at the South Lawn standing alongside the SsangYong double dragon fence that he has carved.

The carving marks the new partnership between SsangYong Motor, South Korea's oldest car brand, and the horse trials.

Chief executive of the motor firm's UK wing Paul Williams said: "Blenheim is one of the top international horse trials held in the UK, and perfectly complements the SsangYong brand focus on four-wheeled drive SUV's.

"Vehicles particularly suited to those living in the country or who tow a horse box, trailer or caravan."

At the trials, described by pundits as a 'horse triathlon', riders and horses compete in three different types of tests on different days.

The rider with the lowest amount of penalty points accrued by the end of the competition is crowned the winner.

The three phases which form the competition are dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

Tickets are available to purchase at blenheimhorse.ticketsrv.co.uk priced between £8 for day tickets and £60 for the full season.