PREPARATIONS are underway for the world’s equestrian media to descending on Bishop Burton College for the prestigious FEI European Eventing Championship for Juniors, which takes place from August 14 to 17.

Kim Knightley, Bishop Burton’s equine director, said the televised championships are always accompanied by a real frisson of excitement as they are where many of tomorrow’s stars make their debut on the international eventing stage.

There is a legacy stretching before us with the FEI Championships just around the corner. We have to grab it with both hands and really hope both equestrian enthusiasts and those who are simply interested in top level competition, no matter what the sport that they will get behind this event.

Anticipation is palpable in everything. From the course that top class course designer Eric Winter is creating, through to the knock on benefits for the wider economy of competitors from so many different nations descending on Yorkshire.

Bishop Burton is used to hosting big events, such as international para dressage and high-profile shows for British Showjumping and British Dressage.

Team GB won gold when, back in 2010, Bishop Burton first stepped onto the world stage and hosted the FEI’s Pony European Eventing Championships.

Kim Knightley and her team will have barely waved goodbye to the young international eventers when the Pony Club’s National Tetrathlon Championships will take place on August 18th-21st at the college.

The competition will be fiercely contested and involves swimming, shooting, cross country riding and running. Bishop Burton is a Pentathlon GB training centre and has seen interest in these multi discipline competitions rocket since London 2012.

Jeanette Dawson, college principal and chief executive, said she hopes some of the positive international atmosphere of the Tour de France Grand Départ will rub off on the championships.

“We will have the most talented young riders from many different nations here for these events,” said Mrs Dawson. “I do hope the public will get behind it and come along to give them all a warm Yorkshire welcome.”

Log on to the event’s website europeanjunioreventing.org for more information.