Horse trials set to get 45,000 visitors
Blair Castle hosts major equestrian event
45,000 visitors are expected at this year’s Blair Castle International Horse Trials. Picure by Chantal Crosby More than 45,000 people are expected to descend on Blair Castle later this month for the annual international horse trials.
The Blair Castle International Horse Trials in Blair Atholl is due to take place between Thursday, August 23 and Sunday, August 26, and as Scotland’s premier equestrian event, visitors from across the world will come to watch an estimated 1800 horses compete.
Set against the backdrop of the Highland Perthshire castle, a number of events will take place over the course of the four days, including cross country, Highland pony show, British show jumping and Pony Club mounted games.
This year, a highlight of the games will be watching international riders competing in the finale, the Event Rider Masters series.
Andrew Bruce Wooton, general manager at Atholl Estates, said: “The Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials always prove to be an incredible few days, with a wealth of local and international visitors coming together to cheer on over 1800 talented equestrians.
“Blair Castle is the perfect setting for this prestigious event, with both the venue and the horse trials steeped in history.
“The perfect summer day out for families and individuals alike, we look forward to welcoming both participants and visitors to the estates and would like to wish everyone taking part the best of luck.”
As well as the equestrian action, there will be the Bruadar Country Fair.
At the fair, families can take in the antics of the ducks and dogs in Quack Commandos, cheering on the pig racing, and enjoying vintage tractors, before experiencing the excitement of the horse power cossack show.
There will also be a pop-up shopping village during the four days of competition with over 200 stalls selling home accessories, whiskies and country clothing.
And whisky lovers can take part in a special tasting with Bruadar, the horse trials’ official drinks partner.
All proceeds from the Bruadar whisky tasting will be donated to this year’s charity partner, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which looks to research motor neurone disease.
Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “The Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials is a key fixture in our annual calendar of events, helping drive Scotland’s visitor economy by attracting equestrian fans fro across the world to our shores.
“With Blair Castle providing the perfect stage for Scotland’s biggest equestrian event, the packed programme of events and activities alongside the trials makes for a great day out.”
Tickets for the horse trials can be bought online from 12 at www. blairhorsetrials.co.uk
Entry tickets can also be purchased on the day at the gate.