THE Blair Castle International Horse Trials are a month away and organisers are hopeful the event on August 26-29 will have perfect underfoot conditions.
A spokesman said, “There has been plenty of rainfall over the last few weeks, which has ensured the going remains good with the grass green and growing throughout the summer.
“In addition much of the ground has been prepared and maintained specifically for the event in 2010. Cross-country fence areas have been fenced off to protect them from livestock, while the main arena has recovered well from the damage last year and according to event director Alec Lochore is looking particularly well.”
Blair is a hugely popular event for horse trials competitors with three, two and one-star CCI classes and a CIC three star, combined with the famous Highland Perthshire hospitality tempting riders back year after year.
A revised layout to the showground means stabling and horsebox parking this year is on fresh ground, while a new British showjumping arena, to be known as The Tummel arena has been created within the trade stand area to replace the old Tilt arena, while the Banvie arena will remain.
British Showjumping classes run over three days in these two arenas, with two feature classes in the main arena on Saturday including the Blair Castle Grand Prix sponsored by Ingliston Country Club and offering prize money of £1040.
For many showing competitors, Blair Castle is the highlight of their year having qualified at regional shows. This is true test for the working hunter and native pony classes and also ridden Clydesdales.
This year new Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) and veteran sections have been introduced which run alongside hunters, riding horses, and ex-racers.
A Revolutionary new way for horse-owners to sell their animal or transporter will also be launched at the trials.
The TAG66 system will be on display, with horses or ponies being used as their own advertisement by wearing a distinctive yellow tag on their saddle or bridle.
This identifier, which has a unique number, shows the animal is for sale and can be used to find out more information on the horse, including price and the seller’s contact details via text.
The firm behind TAG66 came up with their product after noticing prospective buyers were unlikely to approach owners to find out if a horse is for sale.
In a bid to promote the new system, the first 20 people who apply for a TAG for the event will receive one free of charge. To obtain one, sellers can visit Miri at the secretary’s office next to the main arena and register their details.
Entries for the horse trials opened on July 22 and entry forms for all other classes and sections can be downloaded from the website at www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk.