One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Perthshire calendar — the Blair Castle International Horse Trials — is set to be bigger than ever this year.
Taking place from August 26 to 29, it will host two new sections of showing — CHAPS and veterans.
A spokeswoman said the changes would help to cement the event’s position as one of the finest shows in Scotland.
“On Thursday, there will be two CHAPS classes for coloured horses and ponies, ” she said. “Both will be qualifiers for the CHAPS (UK) championships, the winner of which goes to the Horse of the Year Show.
“The classes will takes place in the ’tilt arena’ after the show hunters and riding horses.”
The spokeswoman believes the veteran class will be equally popular and similarly prestigious.
“Veteran horse society classes are becoming increasingly popular and Blair is lucky to have been awarded two Olympia area qualifiers, open mixed-age in hand, and open mixed-age ridden, ” she said.
“These classes are open to members and non-members of the veteran horse society but only members can qualify for the regional championships which lead to Olympia.”
The Blair Castle show hosts a championship working hunter show, Highland pony show and NPS Scotland finals with Olympia qualifiers.
“Working hunter ponies, classes and ridden Clydesdales all add to the excitement and entertainment over the four days, ” the spokeswoman added.
Schedules and entry forms for all the classes will soon be available on the event’s website.