THRILLING LINE-UP OF DISPLAYS AT BLAIR CASTLE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS AND COUNTRY FAIR

The annual Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair takes place at Blair Atholl from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th August 2008 and includes an exciting variety of displays and demonstrations to keep both equestrian and non-equestrian visitors entertained.

Lothian and Borders Police Mounted Division will be present on all four days and not only will they be displaying their considerable skills each day, there will be opportunities to meet the horses and speak to the police officers at the event.

RAF Leuchars will be present with their recruitment and careers stand and while their pipe band will perform on Saturday, one of the highlights of the weekend is likely to be a parachute jump into the main arena on Sunday.

Both the above display teams are closely associated with Blair’s nominated charity for 2008 – BHS Scotland and Horse Trials director, Sarah Phillips said, “We are delighted to be working with BHS Scotland to help promote the great work they carry out throughout Scotland. The additional displays will bring an exciting new element to the event and we are very appreciative of the support shown by the RAF and Lothian and Borders Police.”

The Country Fair Arena, which always has a large crowd surrounding it over the weekend will witness some new displays this year. One of these will be Ridgeside Falconry who will be bringing their lurchers to the event to demonstrate the speed and agility of these wonderful sight hounds. The dogs will show how they have been used for several millennia to catch fast moving game, however at Blair they will be chasing a toy rabbit on a lure and are sure to prove a real favourite with the crowd.

Of course, while all this extra entertainment is going on, the main equestrian classes are taking place each day. Thursday is the first day of dressage for the one, two and three star horse trials plus a huge hunter, riding horse and working hunter show. Friday is again dressage in the main arena while native ponies and showjumping take place in the other arenas spread round the vast site. Saturday is cross country day when many of the crowds dissipate into the surrounding hills to enjoy the thrills of galloping horses and huge fences. Sunday is given over to more showjumping, Country Fair activities and prize giving, not forgetting the annual Fun Run for those with two legs to attempt the cross country course – minus the jumps of course.

The tented village of over 200 shops, craft marquee and food fair are open on all four days, but don’t worry about lugging your bags round; BHS Scotland have a left luggage tent where, for a small fee, you can drop off your bags and pick them up before heading back to your car.

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