Having just returned from five weeks in Scotland where the grass was green, the sky was blue and the sun was warm, I wish I was heading back there in a couple of weeks to attend the Blair Castle Barclays International Horse Trials and Country Fair ( 22nd – 25th August). Of course the weather might not be quite as good as I enjoyed recently, but surrounded by the magnificent hills and mountains of Perthshire and with the impressive white Blair Castle as a backdrop to the event, that in itself has always enough for me to enjoy this popular Scottish event.
The impressive Blair Castle
Photo: David Monniaux
Scotland’s premier equestrian fixture will host four days of International Eventing with the CCI*, CCI2*, CCI3* and CIC3* Classes taking centre stage in this spectacular Perthshire setting.
For the first time the event welcomes an Event Horse Owner’s marquee, hosted by the Event Horse Owners Association, which will overlook the Equi-Trek Main Arena for those who wish to relax alongside other Event Horse Owners. Chairman of the EHOA, Cathy Butler, commented: “We are thrilled to be hosting at Blair Castle. The marquee will be open from Thursday 22nd August to Sunday 25th August and we look forward to welcoming many owners to enjoy the facilities here. The marquee will be open to EHOA members and all owners of competing horses.”
Perthshire might be considered a long drive for some of the English riders
but Australians would travel that distance in a weekend for a low level event!
The competitors this year will also get a feel of the stage that is to hold the European Eventing Championships in 2015- the greatly anticipated and prestigious event where numerous nations will come to Blair to compete for Gold. A new site layout and stone tracks will allow easy access for competitors to the repositioned lorry parking and stables. The new venue layout brings riders and their support team nearer to the facilities on the site, with the cross country start/finish also being much closer.
Displaying some typical Scottish hospitality the team at Blair are delighted to be holding a private tour around Blair Atholl Distillery on the Thursday of the event, followed by a friendly Golf Competition on Friday. Mind you if the offer of a ‘wee nip’ or two is on offer from the Distillery it could produce an interesting gold competition the next day – horses should take cover!
As well as the eventing action there will also be several Working Hunter classes, ridden Clydesdale Championships, Show jumping, Highland Pony classes (as you would expect) and no doubt there will be some pony club games happening as well.
Alec Lochore (seen here on the right in his TD role of Adelaide 4* last year) is Event Director of Blair Castle Horse Trials
As usual there will be the evening entertainment, opening with the Drinks Reception to be held in Blair Castle on the Wednesday night, followed by the Ceilidh on the Thursday night and Whisky tasting on the Friday evening. Event Director Alec Lochore said: "We hope that riders, owners and their connections will be able to make more of their trip to Blair and we look forward to welcoming them to this beautiful part of the world, to enjoy the many highlights that Highland Perthshire has to offer."
