With just over a week to go, entries have closed for the Skipton Building Society Horse Trials.

The equine event is one of Yorkshire’s biggest and will have more entrants than ever – 518 – including many of the country’s top riders on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27.

Skipton favourite Ben Hodbay will be returning to the event, at Funkirk Farm, Carleton.

The former Under 21 Eventing Champion was a member of the British gold medal team at the Young Rider European Champion-ships in Germany.

Also competing will be 22-year-old James Sommerville, from York, who has been competing at Skipton since he was 15. Over the past six years, he has finished first four times.

Making her return to Skipton after a five-year break is Ruth Edge, who recently finished fourth at the Bramham International Horse Trials. Former Olympic rider Karen Dixon will also be competing at the event.

Event director Paul White said: “This year’s Skipton Building Society Horse Trials will have a real family atmosphere, with quality trade stands, fine foods and excellent spectator facilities. There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s great to see so many riders pledging to come to this event. There have been some exciting changes to the cross country course this year by our course designer Gary Podmore, who has been busy improving the layout and making it more challenging for riders. It is clear that word has got round.”