KITTY King is expecting to to catch a glimpse of her ride Persimmon’s potential as a top-level horse at the Barbury Horse Trials, which were getting underway this morning.

King, from Lower Stanton St Quinton, was in fine form with her eight-year-old gelding at last year’s trials, beating the likes of Paul Tapner, Piggy French, Zara Phillips and William Fox-Pitt to the CIC two-star Section B title.

The 30-year-old is now hoping Persimmon will make the step up to the three-star section B at this year’s trials.

“It’s going to be his first time at three-star level and it’s a big step up for him,” said King, who will also be riding Mo Cuiske in the two-star Section C.

“Obviously, it would be great if he could do equally as well as he did in the two-star last year but he’s going to be very green at that level, so it’s going to be difficult.

“He’s going to be young for his class but giving him a challenge will hopefully help me see what kind of horse I’ve got for the future.

“It would definitely have been treading water if we’d stayed in the two-star class.

“Barbury’s a great event because all of the top riders go there.”

New Zealand-international Tim Price, based in Mildenhall, is also asking one of his rides to rise to a new challenge with ten-year-old gelding Wesko in the top competition.

The duo competed in the Novice section F at the 2011 trials but Price, 32, is set for a jam-packed four days, with nine other rides scheduled.

“It’s going to be very busy but Barbury is always a good opportunity for horses to have a run out because it’s so close,” said Price.

“Our horses are always strong showjumpers and, if you have good dressage and cross country phases as well, then anything is possible.”

Price’s wife and New Zealand Olympian Jonelle Richards, 32, rides eight-year-old mare Faerie Dianimo in the three-star Section B.

Dressage started today and continues tomorrow. Showjumping is on Sunday with riders going in reverse order of placing on Sunday’s cross-country section.

Three showjumping classes also feature on Saturday and Sunday as well as horseracing legend Kauto Star’s special guest appearance on the final day, ridden by Membury-based rider Laura Collett.

UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE NEXT FOUR DAYS FROM THE BARBURY TRIALS ON TWITTER @gazsport AND DAILY REPORTS AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT, PLUS FULL TRIALS REVIEW & PICTURES IN NEXT THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD