Whitehead Vizard has re-affirmed its funding commitment to Wilton Horse Trials - one of the most popular equestrian events in the South West.

The event, due to be attended this year by Zara Phillips and William Fox-Pitt, was rained off in July, along with over 20 similar three day events.

Andrew Hodder, from Whitehead Vizard, announced that the firm will again be the core sponsor in 2008, which will be known as The Whitehead Vizard Wilton Horse Trials 2008.

The sponsorship agreement for the event covers next year's trials at the traditional parkland venue at Wilton House - the home of the Earls of Pembroke - from Saturday to Sunday, 26th-27th July 2008.

Mr Hodder says that the firm's continuing involvement with Wilton Horse Trials coincides with a period of significant growth for the firm in the field of agricultural law, landlord and tenant work, and conveyancing.

The firm handles a large amount of agricultural legal work for the local farming community - with specialists who act for a large number of local landowners.

Whitehead Vizard partner, Andrew Hodder, said: "Whitehead Vizard are pleased to have had a long association with Wilton Estate. The popularity of The Whitehead Vizard Wilton Horse Trials, with competitors and spectators alike, reflects the growing importance of agriculture and its supporting industries to the South West economy. We are keeping our fingers crossed for next year and hoping for fine weather. Whitehead Vizard are delighted to again be associated with the event."

The Whitehead Vizard Wilton Horse Trials will display both the fun side of horse ownership with the combined disciplines in Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country; as well as the professionalism with which the organisation is run.

Anthony Ffooks, Organiser of Wilton Horse Trials, added: "We are delighted that Whitehead Vizard has re-affirmed its commitment to the sport of Eventing. The sport is very much on the up and up at the moment. Wilton House, with its 460 year history and 21 acres of gardens and parkland is the ideal venue for a great day out. We regularly welcome many of our Olympic sporting heroes, as well as many other Internationals, and I am hoping for a record crowd of spectators, in July. This will probably be one of the last opportunities to see members of the British Olympic team before they fly off to Beijing."

The Great Britain team recently retained the European Championships title for the sixth successive occasion. The individual and team gold medal was won by Zara Phillips, daughter of The Princess Royal, who won the individual gold 32 years ago, at the age of 21. She was also The 2006 Sports Personality of the Year.

For further information about Whitehead Vizard, please contact Andrew Hodder, Whitehead Vizard Solicitors, Close Gate Chambers, 60 High Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2PQ. Tel: 01722 412141 or e-mail him at: ah@Whitehead-Vizard.co.uk.

For further information about The Whitehead Vizard Wilton Horse Trials, please contact Anthony Ffooks, Church Farm, Lamyatt, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6NP. Tel: 07779 588274 (Mobile) or e-mail him at: ant@lamyatt.demon.co.uk. Website: www.wiltonhorsetrials.co.uk