THIS year’s event is on its usual dates at the end of August 24-27, and though it is a popular event, there are still tickets available.

Alec Lochore is designing the cross-country courses again and the resulting tracks will make the most of the beautiful landscape around the castle. There will be two days of cross country again this year, on Saturday and Sunday, as the Event Rider Masters return for their second season at Blair Castle. 

For the first time, the event is hosting a Horse of The Year Show qualifier for their NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds Highland Pony Open M and M series, as part of the Highland Pony Show. The Highland Pony Show continues to go from strength to strength, having previously been awarded silver medal status for both in-hand and ridden classes by the Highland Pony Society.

The Blair hunter show includes the finals of the BHS and British Riding Clubs Working Hunter competition series, as well as their own Blair Castle Working Hunter Pony series. The NPS (Scotland) Finals entries have also opened and are looking like being busy again on the Friday of the event. 

Following a review earlier in the year, the British Showjumping schedule this year gives riders more chances to ride and compete than ever before and a leading rider prize in each height class is a great addition.

The Ridden Clydesdale showing class has become more and more well known in the last few years, with qualifying shows as far away as Northern Ireland! 

Bruadar Country Fair
The Bruadar Country Fair takes centre stage on Saturday and Sunday, with a wonderful variety of exciting, entertaining and informative displays for the non-horsey members of the family. 

All sorts of countryside pursuits are featured, including falconry, dog and horse displays. Local ladies, ‘Riders of The Storm’ stunt riding team is sure to prove a particular highlight. 

The Bruadar team will be nearby too, sampling their delicious single malt, sloe and honey liqueur in the Tasting Tent. A delicious treat on a day out, and the perfect hip-flask accompaniment to any country pursuit!

Shop ’til you drop
There are more than 200 carefully selected trade stands which exhibit at Blair each year which are suitable for all tastes and budgets. 

This year you can browse your regular favourites including the fabulous food hall, as well as exploring some exciting new additions! 

Whether you are shopping for horse, hound, human or home there is something for you, and whatever your budget there’ll be something to suit your taste – clothing for town and country, jewellery, pet supplies, saddlery, horseboxes, cars, art, kitchenwares and more.

Admission and membership

General Admission offers entry to the main event site. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge if accompanied by a paying adult. Well behaved dogs, on leads, are also welcome at the event.

Membership passes allow exclusive access to the ringside Members Marquee with its bar, restaurant and live TV coverage of the event. 
Outside, a ringside garden offers uninterrupted viewing of the competition. Other membership benefits include forward parking and private toilet facilities. 

Event camp site
The event’s own temporary caravan site offers a great accommodation option for those who want to be at the heart of the action. Just a few minutes’ walk from the public entrance to the event, the site has toilets, showers and a washing-up area. 

There are dedicated site managers to look after guests and ensure everyone is well looked after.Caravans, motorhomes, tents and of course horseboxes are all welcome. Camping pitches are bundled with tickets, and lots of options are available depending on whether guests wish to stay for the whole event or just the weekend. 

There is the choice between membership and general admission packages too.

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance
This year the event’s official charity is Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. With each emergency response costing an average of £4500, at least £2m is required each year to keep the helicopter airborne. 

A sobering statistic shows that one in 13 emergencies responded to by SCAA is equestrian related, highlighting the underlying bond between the sport of eventing and the work of the charity. 

There will be the opportunity for visitors to participate in an abseil from the Blair Castle tower, to raise money for this amazing cause.
Book tickets at www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk/box-office

Timetable
Wednesday, August 23
First Horse Inspection

Thursday, August 24
CCI Eventing Dressage
Highland Pony Show
Hunter Show
British Eventing Arena Eventing Finals

Friday, August 25
CCI Eventing Dressage
NPS Scottish Championships
British Showjumping

Saturday, August 26
Event Rider Masters Dressage
CCI Eventing Cross Country
Country Fair Arena Demonstrations
British Showjumping
Pony Club Mounted Games

Sunday, August 27
Event Rider Masters Cross Country
CCI Eventing and Event Rider Masters Showjumping
Country Fair Arena Demonstrations
Showing Classes
British Showjumping
Eventing Prize Giving