The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Thousands turn out for final day of horse trials
An intense four days of competition at the Blair Castle International Horse Trials drew to a close yesterday.
One of the highlights of the equestrian calendar, annually the trials attract around 40,000 visitors to watch horses and riders competing across a range of classes.
As well as being able to admire more than a thousand horses during the event, there was a lot more on offer.
The country fair has grown over the years and a major attraction is now the large shopping village featuring more than 200 stands.
There were also bird of prey displays, the chance to walk the course and whisky tastings available at the popular event.
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) offered visitors the opportunity to abseil down Blair Castle’s 13th Century square tower.
Earlier this year organisers announced that the Scone-based charity had been made the official charity for the event to recognise the debt owed to SCAA by the equestrian world.
Equestrian accidents account for 8% of SCAA’s helicopter responses to time-critical emergencies.
The spectacle of watching people abseil 100ft down the tower kept visitors entertained all weekend.
The charity had set a target of raising more than £7,000.