IN PICTURES: Zara Tindall competes at Weston Park Horse Trials

And amongst those competing at the Weston Park Horse Trials on Saturday and Sunday was Zara Tindall, formerly known as Zara Phillips, the Queen's grand daughter.

Riding in dressage, show jumping and cross country she did not let the blustery weather phase her.

Although failing to jump a clear round in the show jumping, she put on an impressive display in the other disciplines.

And she was not the only famous face to take on the courses which were spread out over a 1,000 acre site.

Olympian William Fox-Pitt, International rider Izzy Taylor and Shropshire's-own Oliver Townend all took to the courses, which is seen as a preliminary to Badminton Horse Trials, which take place early next month.

Speaking prior to his was in the show jumping, three-day event rider Oliver Townend, one of Britain's top ranked equestrians, said: "I have been having a good day. I had four horses entered the various categories and it is a case of so far, so good.

"I rode King Joules and Sandiman II in the showjumping and both performed well.

"I lost a shoe in the dressage which wasn't ideal. The ground has been soft but the organisers can't stop the rain so we just get on with it.

"These horse trials are a great preparation for Badminton and and a couple of the horses that I have competed on here I may well use there."

This year there were over 500 entries for the two-day event held at the estate near Shifnal, with riders coming from as far afield as Scotland and Dorset.

Amongst the owners, trainers and riders, were hundreds of spectators keen for the chance to see some of the top riders in the country perform.

Organisers were delighted with the success of the event despite a storm on Saturday afternoon causing the cancellation of the U21 intermediate due to rain and hailstones turning the land in to a quagmire.

Rachel Morley, press officer for the event, said: "This is a very popular event. That is down to the location being one that everyone can get to to it being good preparation for Badminton. We are delighted with how the event has gone and we did not let the wet weather of Saturday have any impact on Sunday's timetable.

"Everyone had a great time and we enjoyed watching the horses as they performed in their various disciplines."

The cross country course was designed by organiser of the event, Janet Plant. It ran over 1,000 acres of rolling wooded parkland and the fences varied from solid structures to water jumps and brush fences.

Janet, who has been involved with the horse trials for 33 years, said: "It is a privilege to design on such a fabulous estate. Each class runs over a different course which is designed to be testing but fair. I walked the ground 10 days ago and it was refreshing to remember how well the old turf feels. I am just delighted with the standard of horses and riders who come along. Some left as early as 2am to get here on time. I am so relieved that we were able to hold the trials as a lot of events have been cancelled due to the weather."