EQUESTRIANS competing at this year's Three Counties Countryside Show from June 18-20 are to benefit from extensive improvements to facilities.

The Three Counties Showground, home of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, hosts in the region of 20 separate horse events, together with its long-running agricultural show, every year.

The on-going regeneration of its equestrian area includes the breaking down of compacted surfaces, installing a permanent irrigation system and enlarging the horse rings.

The society has enlisted the help of grass maintenance contractor Malcolm Higginson who is currently working with the British Equestrian Federation on cross country tracks at a number of top events.

The Three Counties Countryside Show has attracted a staggering 2118 equestrian entries this year, with 1,700 horses taking a whole range of classes.

Exhibitors should notice an improved going and some significant changes.

TCAS press officer Sharon Gilbert said: "Equine events are a regular feature of the society's annual calendar, so it's very important that we maintain our existing facilities.

The showground is an excellent equestrian venue but it does suffer form shallow soil and little natural moisture so we are installing a permanent irrigation system to ensure that the going remains good even during the driest periods."

She added: "We are also breaking down the existing surfaces, over seeding with a grass mix suitable for extensive use by horses and implementing an ongoing programme of fertilising to improve root mass and promote strong growth."

As part of the regeneration programme, the Main Ring has been enlarged and given new white fencing and the collecting area greatly enhanced.

Other collecting rings are also being improved to ensure the safe and free flow of horses and pedestrians on site and Ring 1, behind the stables, will be made bigger to provide a dedicated working-in area.