The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Crowds flock to Blair Castle International Horse Trials
Eagerly anticipated event in the Scottish equestrian calendar
A major sporting event that will attract 40,000 visitors to Perthshire over the coming days is now under way.
Now Scotland’s biggest equine event, the Blair Castle International Horse Trials has grown in stature over the years.
Running until Sunday, the appeal of the trials is the ability of pony club members to rub shoulders with Olympians, giving all levels an opportunity to compete.
Dressage continues today and tomorrow, with cross country and show jumping tomorrow and Sunday.
There will be an opportunity to watch some of the world’s best event riders in action every day, several of whom are just back from the European Championships in Strzegom, Poland.
These include Oliver Townend who was a member of the gold medal winning British team, and Gemma Tattersall who finished eighth individually.
Rio Olympians and the legendary Sir Mark Todd also feature on the start lists.
Cross-country course designer Ian Stark is looking forward to the event, and keeping his fingers crossed for fine weather.
“It’s always interesting watching riders walking the course because I have planned the track and laid the fences out but then sometimes I see them walking a line that I hadn’t contemplated,” he said.
“I really like that because it shows that they are taking it seriously, working out the best routes for their horses, it gives me a great boost.”
The event includes a huge shopping village, 200 trade stands and other attractions away from the horses range from terrier racing to whisky tasting.
There is even the chance to abseil from the tower of Blair Castle to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
Other diversions for the massive crowds include Carnoustie Cruisers Flyball Team, Riders of the Storm, Bow Wow Circus, Elite Falconry, Mordor Gundogs and vintage tractors. For more see Farming