The BBC has decided to place horse riding events more favourably in its upcoming TV schedule, making deals to feature both puissance and the Hickstead DFS Derby.

Puissance, an equestrian sport where top show jumpers try to clear a very high wall, has been off-screen for 15 years. However, it is now to be placed in a prime time slot, which will no doubt draw much fresh interest in horse riding.

The decision for it to return to our TVs has delighted many horse riding organisations, such as the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

Will Connell of BEF said: "Anything that gets equestrian sport onto mainstream TV is great news. Equestrian sport delivers great success for Britain and is worth a lot to the economy."

Celebrations were also being held after the signing of a three year deal to televise the Hickstead DFS Derby, one of the UK's foremost horse riding events.

"[The DFS Derby] represents the very best of international show jumping but more than that it's one of the great sporting events of the British summer," said Michael Cole of the BBC.

"With the signature Derby Bank it's an event that appeals to those who love the sport but also to those who come to show jumping just once a year," he finished.