The Burghley Horse Trial three-day eventer is well known for being a test of all-round horsemanship, and involves almost every activity of which the horse is capable.

Every competitor aims to complete each of the three sections (dressage, cross country and show jumping), and their overall score is then totted up to provide a final placing.

But the social side of Burghley is as varied as the people who attend.

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Many take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic, or sample the delicious foods on sale around the showground, which is held in the beautiful parkland of Burghley House, near Stamford.

The house is widely acknowledged to be the finest Elizabethan stately home in the country and provides the most spectacular backdrop for any horse trials in the world.

The gates open at 7.30am each day and visitors are urged to allow plenty of time to avoid the traffic, especially tomorrow.

For many of the thousands of visitors, the trials also go hand in hand with shopping.

With more than 600 retailers on site, Burghley has become recognised as a top shopping venue renowned for the quality and diversity of goods available – anything from a humble pork pie to the latest Range Rover vehicle.

As well as the traditional avenues of trade stands hosting many well-known names from London's Bond Street to local jewellers and country tailors, there is the opportunity to browse through several specialist exhibition areas.

The large rural crafts pavilions house more than 150 stands and provide the perfect inspiration for some early Christmas shopping.

More than 145,000 people are expected to attend the show, which runs until Sunday.

Trial director, Elizabeth Inman, said: "We have a full and varied programme of events taking place alongside the main competition, with something for enthusiasts of all equestrian disciplines, as well as our regular ardent eventing supporters."

Visitors should come prepared for rain, wind and mud, as the weather is expected to be wet.

Book tickets, visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk or call 01933 304744.