An Eventful Life is filming all competitors on cross country at Defender Blair Castle Horse Trials – order or view videos here
This year's FEI Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials runs from 24th - 27th August and new for this year is a CCI2*P for pony riders – both Irish and British teams will vie for the spoils in this qualifying class where competitors perform a two-star dressage test and one-star jumping. Entries are now open for interested teams.
Tiggy's Trust, a foundation set up in memory of Ireland's Tiggy Hancock who lost her life in 2021 at the age of 15, brought pony riders to Blair last year to compete against their British counterparts and it was a huge success. The charity will be funding much of the trip for the Irish pony contingent, and include two training days with top coaches, sports psychologists and horse welfare experts.
Event Director Alec Lochore says “It is great to be welcoming these Pony teams to Blair and give valuable experience to the next generation of athletes. Blair is such an iconic event, with unique terrain – there is much to be learnt from competing here.”
Another innovation is the PC110 Blair Challenge; any Pony Club members competing in the CCI2*-L class will automatically be entered and be in with a chance of winning trophies and prizes.
Other Eventing classes run from national level 90cms up to four-star, and include two grassroots Scottish Championships. The five international levels attract many of the best riders in the UK, including Olympic and world medallists. Throw in British Showjumping, showing, heavy horses and Pony Club mounted games and there is something to appeal to all horse lovers.
General admission prices start at just £18 per person for one day, a four-day season pass is £72 or a weekend pass is £50, all plus parking. Tickets are available to buy through the event website, www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk.
