Jodie Caig triumphs at South of Scotland Horse Trials

The event, held at Valleyfield Farm on June 13 and 14 and organised by the Clark family, is the reigning Scottish BE Event of the Year and delivered another standout weekend of competition.

A particular highlight was the return of Intermediate eventing to Scotland, alongside a strong focus on youth participation.

The event was supported by new title sponsor Fine & Country Scotland and delivered what organisers described as an "exceptional" weekend.

Hannah Nicolson and Richhill. Intermediate (Section R). Jumping the W1M Water Complex (Image: Action Replay Photography Ltd)

International course designer Andrew Heffernan once again made creative use of the Galloway landscape, building Scotland’s only Intermediate BE course.

A total of 401 combinations competed this year, a 10 per cent increase on last year, despite a date clash with the Bramham International Horse Trials.

Competitors travelled from across the UK including the Isle of Man, the Isle of Mull, Northern Ireland, and as far north as Wick.

Annie Broad and Killerisk Cooley. Intermediate (Section R) third place. Jumping the AW Jenkinsons Show Jump with the Ardnahoe Whisky Barrel Arch in the background. (Image: Action Replay Photography Ltd)

Northern Ireland’s Nicola Martin finished second in the BE90 Section K, and the event’s reputation is growing well beyond south-west Scotland.

Subsidised on-site stabling was part of the event’s commitment to making the event accessible for those travelling long distances.

The weekend kicked off with two fundraising course walks led by Olympic eventer Ian Stark OBE, who chairs the British Eventing Support Trust.

A total of £1,130 was raised for the charity over the course of the event.

Spectators praised the professionalism of the event, with many comparing it to top national fixtures.

Lizzie Walker and Coloured by an Artist. Intermediate (Section R). Jumping the GNI Ringfort (12). (Image: Alan Clapperton)

A favourite viewing spot was the W1M Water Jump, which featured new fences including "Rabbie McCrabby," a crab-themed obstacle that drew plenty of attention.

Youth riders made a strong impression, with around one-third of entrants aged 25 or under.

Jodie Caig took top spot in the Intermediate section, while Zurie Dempster won the Novice Under-18 class.

Anna Graham and Eden McCulloch finished first and second in the GO BE90.

Molly Selby and A Touch of Quality. BE100 (Section U). Jumping the W1M Water Complex Crab (15c), nicknamed Rabbie McCrabby (Image: Alan Clapperton)

Caroline Basnett, who travelled from Cheshire and placed fifth in the Intermediate section, said: "South of Scotland is an absolute go-to for Cheshire eventers; easy travelling straight up the M6, absolutely beautiful big bold courses designed by Andrew Heffernan and built by Jump1.

"The going was absolutely foot perfect in both the showjumping arena and on the cross-country course."

Awards across the weekend included Best Turned Out prizes sponsored by Redpost Equestrian.

Young rider Sally Drummond won the award in BE90 Section K and was also named the lowest-scoring Dumfries and Galloway rider in Sunday’s BE90 sections.

The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of organisers, volunteers, and sponsors.

Tom Clark and his team managed the presentation of the venue, while Sarah Clark oversaw much of the event operations, and Nina Clark led event administration and communications.

Organisers said the support from sponsors and volunteers was crucial to the event’s continued success and growth.

"Together they are helping establish the South of Scotland Horse Trials as one of the most exciting and welcoming fixtures on the British Eventing calendar, and after another hugely successful weekend, the future looks exceptionally bright."