Blair Horse Trials

[EventingMum]

I've just seen the sad news that this year will be the last Blair Horse Trials. What a shame, for many Scottish eventers it was was a huge ambition to compete there and show jumpers and showing competitors loved it too. The beautiful setting is second to none and it has held a special place in my family's heart. Scotland has lost so many great events this is devastating for the equestrian community and also local hospitality businesses who are always full that week.

We starting visiting in 1989 when my son was a year old and have gone every year since creating some wonderful memories along the way including my son competing there a few times. He now goes for a week each year as part of the event stable management team giving back to the sport in a small way.

We will definitely be celebrating all our great memories with friends this year.

 

[sbloom]

So sad, and just as I'd invested in my own trade stand set up for it

 

[doodle]

Final nail in Scottish BEs coffin?

 

[saddlesore]

They are/have been closing virtually all the Scottish BE venues. Such a shame

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Oh, that's such a shame. I've loved volunteering there over the years. It is such a lovely, friendly event.

 

[LeneHorse]

So sorry to hear this. Blair is such a special event in the Scottish equestrian calendar. I don't go every year but have had some great times as a spectator. It will be a huge blow to the local economy too.

 

[Britestar]

Would be interested to hear the reasons behind it.
Probably cost of maintenance high on list of reasons.

 

[Ossy2]

Would be interested to hear the reasons behind it.
Probably cost of maintenance high on list of reasons.

No longer aligns with the estates sustainable land management practices according to FB statement

 

[Jeni the dragon]

So sad to see this! I love Blair and have gone for many years.

 

[Caol Ila]

I just saw this on FB as well. I feel so sad for all the eventers. I enjoyed going as a spectator, and I know there aren't many at events at all for Scotland-based eventers.

 

[holeymoley]

Absolutely gutted about this. I don’t event but it was a firm fixture of the Scottish calendar. We’ve been going for the last 10/15years and love it. In terms of spectators it was brilliant last year. Rhs has gone down hill but it would seem the only large scale event that we have left.

 

[Britestar]

No longer aligns with the estates sustainable land management practices according to FB statement

Someone just showed me an email saying that. Shame.

 

[LEC]

If you read between the lines it’s the new rural payments which were implemented due to Brexit.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

If you read between the lines it’s the new rural payments which were implemented due to Brexit.

I think this is at least part of the reason my yard is being shut down. The landowners are following the money. Seems like bad news for the equestrian industry.

 

[HBB]

Such sad news but I’m not shocked, I have a feeling the whole equestrian industry is on the cusp of imploding in Scotland.

 

[MagicMelon]

So terribly sad. Ive gone almost every year for a long time to spectate. Never quite made it to compete there but it was always an aim.

Eventing is gone in Scotland now. I honestly think it'll be the end of eventing in its current form very soon, at least in the UK.

 

[MagicMelon]

Final nail in Scottish BEs coffin?

Yup. BS will likely benefit massively. Im now focusing on showjumping these days, eventing is done.

 

[JennBags]

I saw this sad news today too. I just booked my tickets and camping a couple of days ago. Although it's right at the other end of the country for me, I've been several times and I love it.

Such a shame. I didn't realise there were new environmental land grants being offered, @Sussexbythesea that makes sense, I couldn't understand why your yard is closing.

 

[Reacher]

Little left in Cumbria either. We used to have several a few years ago , now we only have one BE left

 

[Chiffy]

Really sad about this. We go back many years, travelling up from Hertfordshire. Little did I know at the time that we would eventually live in Scotland and my daughter and son in law would compete there. Such a fantastic venue. My granddaughter hopes to go this year. So sad it will be the last chance.

 

[SkylarkAscending]

Really sad about this. We go back many years, travelling up from Hertfordshire. Little did I know at the time that we would eventually live in Scotland and my daughter and son in law would compete there. Such a fantastic venue. My granddaughter hopes to go this year. So sad it will be the last chance.

I really hope she gets there Chiffy - I’m sure she will, she is such a cracking little rider! I’m planning to come and spectate - yes really definitely this year

 

[silv]

That is really sad news, when I lived in Scotland it was one of the highlights of my year visiting along with Thirlestane which I believe is long gone too. The shopping and estates were fabulous.

 

[HeyMich]

I'm totally gutted to hear the news. My son competed there for the first time last year, and it was the highlight of his season. I was even convinced to sleep in the sh##y horse trailer for the privilege of being there with him for the 6am course walk. We've also been going to spectate since we moved north of the border, some 20 odd years ago. I'll really miss it.

 

[Midlifecrisis]

That’s really Carpy news….

 

[McFluff]

Such sad news, it’s always been a popular event up here.

 

[JennBags]

Really sad about this. We go back many years, travelling up from Hertfordshire. Little did I know at the time that we would eventually live in Scotland and my daughter and son in law would compete there. Such a fantastic venue. My granddaughter hopes to go this year. So sad it will be the last chance.

I'm sure she will get there, and I can come and see you all!