We are looking forward to welcoming 40,000 visitors to Blair this week, and they will find plenty to see and do – whatever their interests. Here is our top pick of things not to miss:
• 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 – including Oliver Townend who was a member of the gold medal winning British team, and Gemma Tattersall who finished 8th individually. Rio Olympians and the legendary Sir Mark Todd also feature on the start lists. Dressage runs on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, with cross country and show jumping on Saturday and Sunday.
• Take part in a cross country course walk with a top rider, whilst supporting Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance – tickets cost £10. Walks will be hosted by either Mary King, Mark Todd, Shane Rose or Christopher Burton, and take place at 10am and 2pm on Thursday and Friday and booking is essential. Visit the Event Office on arrival to secure your place.
• Watch the Arena Eventing, Hunter classes and Highland Pony show on Thursday.
• Enjoy a night of traditional Scottish music and dancing in the Public Catering Marquee on Thursday night. Complimentary tickets can be booked in the Information Tent.
• For showing fans, the NPS Scotland Finals take place on Friday.
• On Friday evening there is the Bruadar Whisky Tasting – places must be booked at the Information Tent, with proceeds going to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (over-18s only).
• British Showjumping classes will run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Few events are as competitive as Pony Club games – catch the action on Saturday morning.
• Abseil from the top of Blair Castle’s Tower on Saturday or Sunday and raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance – find out how here.
• If you find yourselves on site on Saturday evening, don’t miss the infamous Blair disco which runs from 9pm – 1am (over-18s only). Tickets can be purchased at the Information Tent.
• Enjoy the displays in the Bruadar Country Fair on Saturday and Sunday – the action kicks off at 9.30 each day with displays by ORE Terrier Racing, Carnoustie Cruisers Flyball Team, Riders of the Storm, Bow Wow Circus, Elite Falconry, Mordor Gundogs and Vintage tractors throughout the day.
• Shop till you drop. With over 200 trade stands there is bound to be something to tempt you.