A STRONG contingent of Wiltshire riders will be descending on Blair Castle International Horse Trials this weekend to compete in the penultimate leg of the Event Rider Masters.

Highworth’s Paul Tapner leads the charge as he sits top of the overall standings, having not finished lower than 12th place in all four legs of the ERM this year.

That consistency has secured the Australian, who missed out on selection for the Olympic Games, a commanding score of 87 points and this weekend, he partners Kilronan, with the competition possibly being the combination’s final swansong together.

“I’m hoping the softer ground and galloping course at Blair will suit Kilronan,” he said.

“He is returning to his roots as he started competing in Scotland for what might be his final competition.

“He has been such a wonderful horse and I hope the weekend is a success for him, and I am also able to hold onto the lead in the Event Rider Masters”.

Stockley-based French eventer Astier Nicolas heads into the weekend sitting third in the overall standings and will go in full of confidence after picking up team gold and individual silver medals at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Lambourn’s Laura Collett lies in fourth place, 10 points behind Nicolas, but won’t be riding this weekend.

Three of New Zealand’s Olympic squad that could lay down a challenge on the ERM standings are Jonathan Paget, riding Angus Blue, Tim Price on board Xavier Faer and his wife Jonelle, who rides Cloud Dancer.

Jonelle could be particularly influential on the leaderboard if her ERM form continues – she currently lies in fifth on 47 points, which includes a third-place podium finish at Bramham in June.

Tapner stole lead off Gemma Tattersall at ERM’s fourth leg held at Gatcombe Park earlier this month, whilst Tattersall was competing in Rio as a member of Team GB’s eventing squad, alongside Lower Stanton St Quintin’s Kitty King.

“I’m really excited to be back competing in the Event Rider Masters at Blair,” said Tattersall.

“I missed Gatcombe, which gave Paul the chance to overtake me on the leaderboard, but I will be doing my best to get ahead again this weekend.”

This weekend’s ERM competition can be viewed for free live on Saturday (dressage) and Sunday, when the competition culminates with the show jumping and cross-country phases ran in reverse order.

Free streaming can be viewed from anywhere in the world at www.eventridermasters.tv.