The 81st edition of the annual Piazza di Siena horse show-jumping competition takes place in Villa Borghese from 23-26 May.

Known as the Concorso Ippico Internazionale, the prestigious horse show combines equestrian events with high society.

This year’s event has undergone several changes, most notably the removal of the stands – including the central one which seated 4,000 people – to allow spectators greater viewing access of the oval arena. In addition the commercial aspect of the event has been downsized, which organisers say is for “environmental reasons”.

Part of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) Nations Cup, the Roman tournament is among the eight most important show-jumping events in the world along with La Baule in France, San Gallo in Switzerland, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Falsterbo in Sweden, Aquisgrana in Germany, Hickstead in Britain and Ireland's capital Dublin.

Last November the FEI entered into a four-year, €16m sponsorship package from the Saudi Equestrian Fund, and the Nations Cup is now referred to as the Furisiyya Nations Cup. It takes place on 24 May.

Over the four days there will be eleven appointments. The Rome Grand Prix is scheduled for 26 May, and each evening there will be a show under artificial light. One of the highlights of the four-day event is the mounted Carabinieri display, which has closed the horse show for more than 60 years.

Single-day tickets vary in price from €10 to €210, with the more expensive tickets including a buffet lunch, while there are also package deals available, for information tel. 0636858420 or see the Piazza di Siena website.