Hickstead owner Douglas Bunn has made the first change in 40 years to the popular national competition run for school and Pony Club riders.

Competitors at the Alpine National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships, to be held at the All England Jumping Course on July 31, will be competing for individual as well as team titles.

"We have always felt it sad that individual riders who go clear on their big day don't get more recognition," said show secretary Lizzie Bunn. "This year, things will be different."

At this year's championships, sponsored for the first time by Alpine Electronics, a market leader in car audio and navigation systems, riders who get a clear round in the International Arena will jump again for individual titles after the team competition is complete.

"It will mean that for the first time since 1964 there will be an individual champion in each of the junior schools, senior schools and Pony Club competitions," said Lizzie.