RIDERS from across the country will be battling it out for the championship rosettes in a series of competitions taking place at the 14th annual Countryside Live this weekend.

The equine element of the rural showcase has grown each year, with horse and pony events now taking place in both the Main Ring and White Rose Ring of the Great Yorkshire Showground, as well as the indoor arena.

The number of equine entries for this year total 348. More than 12,000 visitors are expected to attend the show.

For the fourth year, the event is the venue for the finals of the Northern Show Cross competition, a mix of show jumping and cross country riding. It features both junior and senior individual competitions, as well as team events – and a prize fund of £1,900.

Elsewhere, Olympians Graham and Tina Fletcher's "Search for a Talented Showjumper" competition returns this year, with young riders competing for the chance to train with the world-famous couple.

Countryside Live also plays host to a wide range of competitive classes including the final qualifier for the Olympia Horse Show in London. The Mountain and Moorland ridden ponies take to the White Rose Ring on Sunday to compete for one of the last qualifiers of the year.

Also on the timetable over the weekend are classes for coloured horses and ponies, working hunter ponies and fancy dress classes for youngsters.

Countryside Live is open from 9am to 5pm daily and parking is free. For the latest information and tickets, visit the website countrysidelive.co.uk