ERIC Winter has been appointed to take over as course designer at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, one of the most prestigious events in the equine world.

Mr Winter, who runs the Severnvale Equestrian Centre at Tidenham, takes over from Giuseppe Della Chiesa who is stepping down after three years.

Mr Winter, who is 53, has designed the course at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for the last 10 years and has also designed for the Asian Games, two European Pony Championships, a European Junior and a European Young Rider Championship.

He was technical delegate at Badminton between 2011 and 2014 and completed the event as a rider in 1991.

Mr Winter said: “Eric said: “It is a great honour to be asked to design the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton course – it is such an iconic event.

“I first visited Badminton in 1974 – that was my first ever taste of eventing.

“In recent years I have been involved in several different roles and have got to know the team behind the scenes very well.

“To be asked to design here is truly a dream come true and I am extremely thankful to all those involved for giving me this opportunity.

“I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead.”