THE glamorous world of dressage will be helping to raise money for The Bolton News ’ Hospice at Home appeal.

A dressage competition will take place next month to help the hospice celebrate its 20th year — and to raise funds to care for more people in their own homes .

Horses For The Hospice, has classes for junior and senior riders, from intro to novice, and a separate class for tiny tots who can even compete on the lead rein.

It is part of The Bolton News’ Hospice At Home Appeal, which is aiming to raise £110,000 to provide more nurses to care for patients in their homes.

The campaign, launched in January has raised £30,000 but needs help from readers to generate another £80,000 to reach its target.

The dressage event is taking place on Sunday, September 30, at Landlords Farm Equestrian Centre, in Aspull, and organisers are looking for more riders to take part.

Prizes have been donated by a host of companies, including Likit, Naglets healthy horse treats, The Original Rug Bag Company, Horse & Rider magazine, Snuggy Hoods and Howell Equestrian Library.

Organiser Kat Dibbits, from Horwich , said: “This is a fantastic cause and I hope riders from all across Lancashire will enter to raise money to help Bolton Hospice provide at-home care for those who really need it.

“It doesn’t matter if you have never tried dressage before — as Carl Hester said at the Olympics, it is not just a sport for the elite, it is something everyone with a pony (or even one they can borrow) can have a go at.”

The 30-year-old, who has a horse, Chirma, and regularly competes in dressage events, is hoping that more equestrian companies in the North West will donate prizes to encourage competitors to enter.

Entry forms are available to download from the website www.horsesforthehospice.wordpress.com

Entries must be received by Wednesday, September 26.

For more information, email katdibbits@gmail.com.