OLYMPIC gold medallist Matt Ryan and his wife Marie, formerly based at How Caple in Herefordshire, are inviting people to visit their new yard at Llandewi Rhydderch near Abergavenny tonight (Thursday).

The open evening is sponsored by SupaStuds and is to raise money for the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund and the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies.

There will be plenty to enjoy, as well as tradestands and the chance to see a top event yard in action.

The evening features a fun celebrity challenge with WEG silver medallist Clayton Fredericks and his wife Lucinda, who won this year's Badminton, joining Matt and Marie, along with Irish team member Austin O'Connor and his wife Kathrin.

BBC rugby commentator and former Wales captain Eddie Butler will be on hand to commentate.

Matt will also be performing a lecture/demonstration and there will be the chance to tour the yard and meet the four-legged stars too.

For non-horsey family members, Sarah Eberle, famous landscape designer who has won seven RHS Gold Medals and was awarded Best in Show at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, will be on hand to discuss rural garden design and tree planting. Matt said: "I'm really excited about this event.

"This is the first time we have opened to the public since we moved to Wales, and we are really looking forward to it."

There will be a range of tradestands, including Clayton Fredericks' Southern Stars saddles, as well as a barbecue and licensed bar.

Tickets cost £12 in advance, £15 on the night, with children under 12 free. Doors open at 5pm, with the lecture/demonstration due to start around 6.30pm.

Seating and shelter will be limited, so Matt suggests a folding chair and wet weather gear may come in useful.

For further information and tickets, please call 01299 403389.