A RALLYING cry has gone out for the people of West Somerset to support a major equestrian championship which will attract riders from across the world and generate tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of pounds for the local economy. Great Britain - and more importantly Exmoor - has been chosen to host the 2006 European Open TREC Championships and the European Young Riders Championships. Up to 150 riders and their supporters from across Europe, together with participants from Canada and America, are expected to take part in a weekend of events supported by the British Horse Society. Local women Margaret Barron, of Timberscombe, Elaine Owen, of Minehead, and Joanna Webber, of Wootten Courtenay, have taken on the daunting task of organising the competition, which will be held on the Holnicote Estate on September 16 and 17 2006. They are appealing for people from all walks of life to get involved, from sponsoring the event, organising trade stands and encouraging local societies and groups to take part to finding volunteers to help run everything from the opening and closing ceremonies, ticket sales and general administration. Skilled workers will also be needed to help design and build obstacles for the horses and riders to conquer, marquees will need to be erected and kitted out, while a host of prizes and rosettes also have to be found. But perhaps most importantly, the trio must raise £25,000 in sponsorship to ensure the event can go ahead. The championships are likely to cost around £50,000 to stage, with half of the money coming from entry fees from competitors. The remainder has to be found from the business community, which in turn is promised international recognition for its support. The British Horse Society said the event would attract "considerable media coverage" due to the calibre of competitors, promising huge rewards for those who support the championships and for the local area and Exmoor itself. Elaine told the Free Press: "Exmoor is an internationally renowned tourist destination and has most, if not all, of the infrastructure to support this type of event and show tourism in Britain off to its best advantage. "The people of Exmoor also have experience of hosting large equestrian events, being the home of the Golden Horseshoe endurance ride. "TREC is a dynamic equestrian sport which is helping to regenerate the tourist industry and is contributing to rural economies all over the country." Best described as orienteering on horseback, TREC first began gaining popularity in Britain around eight years ago and prestigious organised events such as the championships are known to attract hundreds of people to the area in which they are held. The senior championships are held every four years, while the junior event is run annually. The 2006 championship will begin with an official reception and welcome ceremony on the Friday evening, with the orienteering phase of the contest scheduled for Saturday. While horses and riders find their way around the countryside, supporters and spectators will be treated to a main arena show based on the history of Exmoor and promoting the many points of interest and activities available to both residents and visitors alike. On Sunday, the competitors will face an obstacle course before the winners are calculated and prizes awarded. The closing ceremony will culminate with the presentation of a flag to the country due to host the championships in 2010. Margaret said: "It is important that we present a high profile championships which will be memorable for both competitors and visitors and hopefully will encourage them to return to Exmoor in the future and tell others at home what a wonderful area this is to visit." Elaine said it was vital the event did not run at a loss, but stressed that any profits made would be distributed among local charities. She added: "The 'Exmoor Challenge 2006' TREC committee is extremely excited to be involved with such a prestigious event. "We hope that the local community will support us in helping to promote the beauty of Exmoor and a wider appreciation of what Exmoor has to offer, not just throughout Europe but in the US and Canada as well." Anyone wanting more information about the championships and details about sponsorship or volunteering can contact Margaret by telephoning 01643 841421 or e-mailing [email protected]">[email protected]; Elaine on 01643 709982 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]; or Joanna Webber on 01643 841596 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]. Details will also be posted on the websites http://www.equinetourism.co.uk">www.equinetourism.co.uk and http://www.westsomersetridingclub.co.uk">www.westsomersetridingclub.co.uk.