on the Island today, boosting the total number of foreign riders to four.

Frenchman Gilles Bertram de Balanda is already here preparing for the weekend-long extravaganza to be held at the Botanical Gardens. Others expected include defending champion Mario Deslauriers of Canada along with Americans Lisa Jacquin and Michael Matz.

American Olympic bronze medallist Norman Dello Joio is also slated to compete and is one of the early favourites.

Of the local riders expected to mount a challenge are Mary Francis Gaglio, Dale Rochester, Carron Smith and Jill Terceira.

"We are praying for good weather and hoping that it will be an enjoyable event for everybody,'' said show director Rosemary Ockendon. "We want to encourage people to come and watch...and support a worthy cause.'' A target of $50,000 has been set, with half going to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to help pay for newly installed mammography equipment and the rest being forwarded to the National Equestrian Centre.

Saturday sees a team competition taking place with four five member teams, each captained by one of the overseas riders. A format similar to that of the Nations Cup will be used except that there will be just one round of jumping.

Spectators appear to be in for a real treat with several other displays on tap over the two day period.

Also included are a dressage display, carriage riding and even an aerobics performance by group from the Athletic Club -- this does not involve horses.

Sunday's ride and drive should prove interesting as competitors first complete a course of jumps on the horse before embarking on a cycle ride through an obstacle course.

Then comes the finale, the Grand Prix, to round out a hectic weekend of horse action.

The show starts at 9 a.m. on both days.

RETURN VISIT -- Champion Mario Deslauries.