From 16th-19th April 2008, Birmingham’s NEC arena will once again be transformed into the ultimate equestrian paradise for one of the biggest indoor equestrian events in the country: the British Open Show Jumping Championships, and H&C's cameras will be rolling.

Over the week of pre-show build up, the LG Arena will be transformed from its usual destination to a world-class equestrian venue. The backstage dressing rooms will be converted to organiser’s offices and the arena floor area will be replaced with 800 tonnes of Andrews Bowen’s Prowax surface to provide the grounding for the show jumping, indoor cross country, dressage and scurry racing.

But it’s not all about competition; there will be exciting displays that include a celebrity Arena Polo match featuring Katie Price and Amy Guy (aka Gladiators’ Siren), the Metropolitan Activity Ride and Frenchman Jean Francois Pignon, whose magical performance will have audiences mesmerised.

The NEC’s external backstage area will make way for the International collecting ring, where riders will warm up, and the NEC Pavilion will host the huge British Open shopping pavilion housing over 100 trade stands and the new Parelli Zone. 245 stables will be built in the South Car Parks and over 200 competitors and display artists will form part of the show which will be watched by the 25,000 visitors expected to attend the event this Easter.

This four-day equestrian feast is packed with displays and top level competition, including the coveted British Open Show Jumping Championship. World class riders from Britain and abroad have been invited to compete in this unique competition, and Robert Whitaker will defend his 2008 British Open Show Jumping Champion title.

H&C will be bringing exclusive online coverage, including backstage blogs and video.