Jeni the dragon
Well-Known Member
Parking was pretty good today, not many different stalls that I've seen. I haven't made it onto the Joules stall yet!
Blair Castle Horse Trials
- Thread starter holeymoley
- Start date
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
Massive joules stall,
The parking was fine, they have mats at the entrances and exits , have your parking ticket ready as they scan it on the drive in
Lots of Gift Bags
HHOSS Wonder Woman
Yes, still at Joules which is along the bottom of the main arena. Hugely overpriced in my opinion though!
It's been pouring with rain all night, still is now, so I think it will be a mud bath today.
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
Thats rubbish , sorry for everyone getting soaked…
At least the xc is off today so the ground wont be ruined on that part. If it stops raining it might get a chance to dry up a bit
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
When I left yesterday there was a girl that had a rotational fall at WH, I really hope she is OK 
holeymoley
Well-Known Member
Really excited to head up today! Just about to leave. Hopefully the rain hasn’t softened up too much of the parking, I’m glad they have mats at entrance and exits, we took hubby’s bmw estate last year which was a bit worrying as it was a bit muddy on entrance then. I’m expecting it to be 10x worse this year. I’ve never bought the merchandise before as always felt Joules was too dear but I’d like a wee momento this time.
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
The entrance and exit will be fine its metal matting, and the grass is very long at the parking which will help with grip 
khalswitz
Well-Known Member
It’s very muddy. On Weds night there was car and getting stuck continually in the camping field, and this morning it’s VERY soft. We are fully prepared that we’ll need towed out of here on Monday.
Smaller rings were looking cut up already yesterday. Anyone showing or jumping, definitely bring studs!
Smaller rings were looking cut up already yesterday. Anyone showing or jumping, definitely bring studs!
OrangeAndLemon
Afraid of exorcism
I don't suppose anyone would be able to pick up one of these mugs for me would you?
Happy to pay for postage on top of actual mug price.
Happy to pay for postage on top of actual mug price.
EmmaC78
Well-Known Member
I am going up at the weekend so if there are any left I can get you one. They are £32.50 from what I read though!
holeymoley
Well-Known Member
If I’d seen this I could’ve got one! I swithered at them but too dear for me.
I had an enjoyable day. Managed to get parked in probably the muddiest part of the car park where everyone had driven over, I couldn’t believe it. I managed to get out though so I’ll have a bit more faith and less worry in my car the next time
I thought shops were a bit ‘meh’ but probably because I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I managed to get a few things though. Hope Valley stand seems to be very reasonably priced.
The rings seemed to be holding up well underfoot. Always nice to see the leid rein classes and m&m’s, as much as Highlands aren’t one of my most favourite types, they did look pretty lovely in natural state and with their handlers dressed in Scottish traditions. I’ve not shown for a while so perhaps out of touch but one of the Welsh D’s was pratting about in an in hand class, it knocked the poor steward right on his back. I’m very surprised it was allowed to stay in the class! That and a freak gust of wind and torrential rain sent a gazebo almost flying across the showground! Never a dull day. Ros Canter’s dressage was insane, everyone was silent, you could hear a pin drop. Absolutely unbelievable.
I had an enjoyable day. Managed to get parked in probably the muddiest part of the car park where everyone had driven over, I couldn’t believe it. I managed to get out though so I’ll have a bit more faith and less worry in my car the next time
I thought shops were a bit ‘meh’ but probably because I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I managed to get a few things though. Hope Valley stand seems to be very reasonably priced.
The rings seemed to be holding up well underfoot. Always nice to see the leid rein classes and m&m’s, as much as Highlands aren’t one of my most favourite types, they did look pretty lovely in natural state and with their handlers dressed in Scottish traditions. I’ve not shown for a while so perhaps out of touch but one of the Welsh D’s was pratting about in an in hand class, it knocked the poor steward right on his back. I’m very surprised it was allowed to stay in the class! That and a freak gust of wind and torrential rain sent a gazebo almost flying across the showground! Never a dull day. Ros Canter’s dressage was insane, everyone was silent, you could hear a pin drop. Absolutely unbelievable.
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
I watched her last yearIf I’d seen this I could’ve got one! I swithered at them but too dear for me.
I had an enjoyable day. Managed to get parked in probably the muddiest part of the car park where everyone had driven over, I couldn’t believe it. I managed to get out though so I’ll have a bit more faith and less worry in my car the next time
I thought shops were a bit ‘meh’ but probably because I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I managed to get a few things though. Hope Valley stand seems to be very reasonably priced.
The rings seemed to be holding up well underfoot. Always nice to see the leid rein classes and m&m’s, as much as Highlands aren’t one of my most favourite types, they did look pretty lovely in natural state and with their handlers dressed in Scottish traditions. I’ve not shown for a while so perhaps out of touch but one of the Welsh D’s was pratting about in an in hand class, it knocked the poor steward right on his back. I’m very surprised it was allowed to stay in the class! That and a freak gust of wind and torrential rain sent a gazebo almost flying across the showground! Never a dull day. Ros Canter’s dressage was insane, everyone was silent, you could hear a pin drop. Absolutely unbelievable.
wow! I saw Tom McEwen on Thursday, his was amazing too
OrangeAndLemon
Afraid of exorcism
Thank you, PM me if you find one andI'll transfer cash straight away.
TPO
🤠🏴
We didn't get there until 9.30 but got parked right at the front.If I’d seen this I could’ve got one! I swithered at them but too dear for me.
I had an enjoyable day. Managed to get parked in probably the muddiest part of the car park where everyone had driven over, I couldn’t believe it. I managed to get out though so I’ll have a bit more faith and less worry in my car the next time
I thought shops were a bit ‘meh’ but probably because I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I managed to get a few things though. Hope Valley stand seems to be very reasonably priced.
The rings seemed to be holding up well underfoot. Always nice to see the leid rein classes and m&m’s, as much as Highlands aren’t one of my most favourite types, they did look pretty lovely in natural state and with their handlers dressed in Scottish traditions. I’ve not shown for a while so perhaps out of touch but one of the Welsh D’s was pratting about in an in hand class, it knocked the poor steward right on his back. I’m very surprised it was allowed to stay in the class! That and a freak gust of wind and torrential rain sent a gazebo almost flying across the showground! Never a dull day. Ros Canter’s dressage was insane, everyone was silent, you could hear a pin drop. Absolutely unbelievable.
We went back to the car to drop off shopping and the landrovers parked in front of us had their tyres totally covered in mud and grass. You couldn't see the actual tyres so the ground must have gotten worse.
We got out no bother because we left early and were right at the front.
I though the shopping was meh too. One of my friends got a summer equidry. Another was looking for a lightweight turnout rug and couldn't find anything at all. The only options were Rhinegold rugs from some of the smaller stands.
I bought an equifleece for the dog, having measured him last year but it being a smidge too small (still squished him into it!). So now he has one that fits. Boring stuff like 1kg of Brewers Yeastnthat was £4 cheaper than I can find online, gorilla tub lid and poo pronged rake and fudge for my dad. I'm easily parted with money and couldn't find anything. Definitely meh.
Well other than Prime Street Fod van. Their loaded cajun fries are always my highlight
I saw a few folk I know in the jumping. The tilt arena was getting slippy and cut up, I saw a few gey really deep and slide into the bottom of jumps.
I watched Ros in the 2*L dressage, that she's now leading. An hhoer was in directly after her.
A few horse stumbled in the corner at A where it was really cut up and broke their gait because of it.
We left around 3.45. That was my first ever Friday, usually too busy setting up at the campsite, and I found it boring
I had a gig tonight, hence Friday tickets, but I've since sold my tickets for that. I was tempted to go back up today for xc but it's £42 at the door and £10 parking, it's just not worth that to me especially with the weather that's forecast.Looking forward to Scone next year.
Chiffy
Well-Known Member
We are looking forward to Scone too next year TPO!
Such a shame for the organisers that the last ever Blair should be so wet. My family arrived back with a disgustingly muddy horsebox last night! The stables and lorry park are probably the worst area. Horses were coming out of the Internatioal dressage very muddy too though. Be interesting if some of the top horses don’t run XC.
Our pony in the Scottish Championships hated the going and had his first ever stop across country so retired. He has never run on such ground and yet he has competed in Scotland all his life.
Hoping it doesn’t affect him because he is in Scottish Team in September!
Onwards to Burghley next! Burghley Gold Cup….not the Three Day!!
Such a shame for the organisers that the last ever Blair should be so wet. My family arrived back with a disgustingly muddy horsebox last night! The stables and lorry park are probably the worst area. Horses were coming out of the Internatioal dressage very muddy too though. Be interesting if some of the top horses don’t run XC.
Our pony in the Scottish Championships hated the going and had his first ever stop across country so retired. He has never run on such ground and yet he has competed in Scotland all his life.
Hoping it doesn’t affect him because he is in Scottish Team in September!
Onwards to Burghley next! Burghley Gold Cup….not the Three Day!!
OrangeAndLemon
Afraid of exorcism
Sat at home watching the progress on Eventing Scores. From the 2*L it looks like those going earlier had better ground maybe?? More time faults from later finishers.
Large number of W and R but then it was a big class and Blair isn't an easy test on a good day and if the ground is heavy, must be hard work.
Any updates from those who are lucky enough to be there today?
Large number of W and R but then it was a big class and Blair isn't an easy test on a good day and if the ground is heavy, must be hard work.
Any updates from those who are lucky enough to be there today?
rhino
Well-Known Member
I’m just on way home. Complete mudfest, though actually the weather wasn’t too bad most of the day.
From what I saw of the XC, there were plenty of stops and falls (and a fair few pins) but they were fairly spread throughout the course and I didn’t see or hear of anything serious. Most of the riders I saw were riding to conditions and not time, but as usual the top riders made it look easy and were just plenty quick enough. Several opting to retire after a stop or two.
Very very busy, queues for food stalls and toilets were mental!
From what I saw of the XC, there were plenty of stops and falls (and a fair few pins) but they were fairly spread throughout the course and I didn’t see or hear of anything serious. Most of the riders I saw were riding to conditions and not time, but as usual the top riders made it look easy and were just plenty quick enough. Several opting to retire after a stop or two.
Very very busy, queues for food stalls and toilets were mental!
Britestar
Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if you can see the arena event results online anywhere?
Lots of Gift Bags
HHOSS Wonder Woman
What a fantastic day, most riders were sensible on the ground which ended up not being too awful as it's been pretty dry most of the day. Hardly any real problems, which was surprising given the conditions. Tacky ground which is probably the worst to ride in.
The commentary was hilarious, I think he had been presented with drinks all day long, lots of Tuckerisms, it made us laugh so much. He was telling us people had fallen when they hadn't, he was saying how beautifully they were taking jumps which they hadn't been through yet, you couldn't trust a word he said. So funny!
It was a little busier than normal, the only place where toilet queues were longer was members, it looks like they've doubled the size of members and halved the toilet facilities.
Looking forward to the final day tomorrow, hoping weather forecast is completely wrong again!
The commentary was hilarious, I think he had been presented with drinks all day long, lots of Tuckerisms, it made us laugh so much. He was telling us people had fallen when they hadn't, he was saying how beautifully they were taking jumps which they hadn't been through yet, you couldn't trust a word he said. So funny!
It was a little busier than normal, the only place where toilet queues were longer was members, it looks like they've doubled the size of members and halved the toilet facilities.
Looking forward to the final day tomorrow, hoping weather forecast is completely wrong again!
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khalswitz
Well-Known Member
Ground definitely got better after the wind started up at lunchtime. 2*L horses found fence 17 tough after the third uphill. Saw quite a few falls today including one in the 4*S in the water, lots of retirements. Watching Ian Stark go round at 71 and the applause for him was something special.
It was quite emotional coming back down off the hill this evening. Feel like we know Blair so well and very sad to think horses won’t be galloping up those hills again.
Agree with the comments re: shopping. Was ready to part with money this year and it felt like it was all expensive saddle pads, fancy boots, and clingy bridles, not the good useful bargains of old days. Haven’t spent much.
It was quite emotional coming back down off the hill this evening. Feel like we know Blair so well and very sad to think horses won’t be galloping up those hills again.
Agree with the comments re: shopping. Was ready to part with money this year and it felt like it was all expensive saddle pads, fancy boots, and clingy bridles, not the good useful bargains of old days. Haven’t spent much.
Peglo
Well-Known Member
It did look tough going XC today but some horses were flying.
Had a fab day but very thankful for my equidry (either as jacket or sitting on) that stand must’ve done very well this week.!! Mine was a present
I want some merch as it’s the last one but don’t wear T-shirts or hoodies so maybe there’s no point. Might spend bday money on a bodywarmer though, even though I have tons!!
Had a fab day but very thankful for my equidry (either as jacket or sitting on) that stand must’ve done very well this week.!! Mine was a present
I want some merch as it’s the last one but don’t wear T-shirts or hoodies so maybe there’s no point. Might spend bday money on a bodywarmer though, even though I have tons!!
PipsqueakXy22
Well-Known Member
Wish I could’ve got merch even though I desperately wanted some, they were sold out of absolutely everything in adult sizes by 12pmIt did look tough going XC today but some horses were flying.
Had a fab day but very thankful for my equidry (either as jacket or sitting on) that stand must’ve done very well this week.!! Mine was a present
I want some merch as it’s the last one but don’t wear T-shirts or hoodies so maybe there’s no point. Might spend bday money on a bodywarmer though, even though I have tons!!
ozpoz
Well-Known Member
We had a good day, got up the a9 before the mad queues. The shopping was uninspiring I thought. Very cramped in places. Very sad to watch the last to go today- Blair is unique, sitting up the hill in sunshine there are many happy memories here.
khalswitz
Well-Known Member
We chatted to the girls on the stand on Thurs when we got ours, and they said on *Wednesday* they had already been raided by the grassroots eventers and pony club kids. Stand looked busy on Thurs and Fri all day so I’m not hugely surprised.Wish I could’ve got merch even though I desperately wanted some, they were sold out of absolutely everything in adult sizes by 12pm
Peglo
Well-Known Member
Wish I could’ve got merch even though I desperately wanted some, they were sold out of absolutely everything in adult sizes by 12pm
Maybe I won’t get anything then.
save me some pennies.Sorry you didn’t what you wanted.
Old school
Well-Known Member
Six of the Irish ponies were eliminated in SJ. What an odd result. The GB ponies seemed to have no issues, well not on that scale.
teapot
Well-Known Member
Old school
Well-Known Member
That would be a reasonable assumption. But then the announcer would call it ‘unfortunate elimination for blah blah’ etc. and the following ponies would be aware. I think it may have been about something a steward spotted. But they are with an experienced crew of adults who know the FEI rules. 
AnShanDan
Well-Known Member
It was a decent track and it caused a lot of problems, only 1 clear. The ground was sticky as well.
The one star was similar if not so bad, a lot of faults and E in the SJ.
Shame when it means you miss the XC.
Lots of Gift Bags
HHOSS Wonder Woman
It's a miserable wet grey day here today. Lots of hardened people sitting outside, not us though, far too cold and wet.
The 2* showjumping has just finished, the 3* will start at 2 I think, then the (very small) 4* class after that. Only 8 left in it.
We had a fabulous evening last night, met Caroline Powell who was charming, kind, and generous with her time. Also met the infamous commentator who turned out to be Hugh Lochore, who was also very charming. Then ventured into the whisky bar, had a few cocktails, met some fun people, including one ex-HHOer.
The 2* showjumping has just finished, the 3* will start at 2 I think, then the (very small) 4* class after that. Only 8 left in it.
We had a fabulous evening last night, met Caroline Powell who was charming, kind, and generous with her time. Also met the infamous commentator who turned out to be Hugh Lochore, who was also very charming. Then ventured into the whisky bar, had a few cocktails, met some fun people, including one ex-HHOer.