Piggy French was on hand to cheerfully present the prizes despite a sudden downpour and some chilly weather
An Eventful Life filmed all competitors on cross country at
the SCBE90 and BE100 Championships - find out more here
The Land Rover Blair Castle International hosted the Scottish Grassroots Championships for the first time this year, with the SCBE90 and SCBE100 Champions being crowned by close of play on Thursday.
Rose Macpherson and Ballingowan Carrie took the SCBE100 victory completing the competition on her dressage score of 29.3. Lying in third place after the first phase she climbed the leader board when the two combinations above her picked up jumping penalties.
“I last rode at Blair 11 years ago, in the CCI Three Star – it’s quite emotional to be back,” Rose admitted. “Blair is so special, I ride the cross country courses here in my dreams!”
Rose is the sister of Ibby Macpherson who is competing here in the CCI1* and CIC3* but Ibby was also on hand to celebrate her sister’s win in the Championships
Rose Macpherson
Rose and Ibby Macpherson
Stirling based sixteen-year-old Elspeth Bryce and Lacoste enjoyed an even bigger climb, from eighth after dressage to eventual second, courtesy of their clean sheet in the jumping phases.
“Charlie [Lacoste’s stable name] is a real attention seeker and complete escape artist, but he handled the atmosphere really well – it was probably the best dressage test that he has ever produced,” said Elspeth, a student at Dollar Academy. “It’s been a great experience to ride here; I’m hoping to back next year for the CCI One Star”
Completing the top three was Jane Reid from Dundee riding Jay Silverheels. Jane has evented for over 30 years and is a past young rider team selector. She is also a grandmother to two small boys, but despite her seniority in the world of eventing admits that, “the affliction has yet to leave me”.
“I did have it in the back of my mind that I could get a good result – and but for coming home one second too fast I could have made it the runner up spot” Jane also explained her horse’s name “My husband suggested it. Jay Silverheels is a coloured horse, and that was the name of the actor who played Tonto in the Lone Ranger television series”
Emma Buchanan and Blaze - 8th in the Scottish Championships SCBE100 Open
