It's that time again - Blair roll call!

[JenniferB]

As it's now only 4 weeks away (and I'm daydreaming about it at work) I've decided that today is a perfectly acceptable date to announce the annual Blair roll call! I know the usual suspects will be there, and looking forward to cheering on our very own HHO 'celeb' in the form of Sauchentree Lady (hoping she can lose her paps long enough to come and say hi!), but it's time to get the roll call up and running! Here's to a mud free 2011 event...

 

[Scottish_Miss]

Brilliant - had just also thought the other day that its nearly that time of year again - booked the Thurs and Friday off work ;-D
Looking forward to it - although over the last 6 years have been trooping it down to Bramham each year in June and that is now my fav 3 day... oops sorry.

trying to organise my shiopping list for blair, their was a great tack shop last year - Aberdeen saddlery I think and they had lovely colourfull jackets and breeches - Anky stuff etc ....... mmmmmmm

 

[JenniferB]

trying to organise my shiopping list for blair, their was a great tack shop last year - Aberdeen saddlery I think and they had lovely colourfull jackets and breeches - Anky stuff etc ....... mmmmmmm

Is it wrong that I was contemplating doing a little bit of Christmas shopping this year? Was my plan last year too to be fair and I bought nothing, but was too busy stressing about riding to really think about shopping in my defence!x

 

[FigJam]

Helloooooo!

Very excited, can't wait for this year's sunny Blair. (it will be sunny... it will be sunny... ) Nic has stocked up on Pimms

and I'm sure there will be a tonne of food ready for the BBQ

by the time the big weekend rolls around. She is also threatening to squirt shampoo up my nose again...

Hope Bonzo is looking forward to his Blair trip too! Looking forward to catching up with folk and cheering on the HHO-ers riding, I know of a few muttering about entering.

PS- Scottish_Miss, your sig photo is gorgeous but also mahoosive, are you able to amend the size to be more in line with reccomended size? Plays havoc with small screens...

 

[JenniferB]

Helloooooo!

Very excited, can't wait for this year's sunny Blair. (it will be sunny... it will be sunny... )

Hey! Yes it will be sunny, though to be fair I'll settle for just dry all weekend - don't mind having to wrap up a bit as long as it's dry and not blowing a force ten.

Mr B won't know what's hit him just shortly - work is about to start with a vengeance. Did some trotting hack hill work on Tuesday and some canter hill work in the big field last night, he'll also shortly be on the walker daily. Hoping to get jumping this weekend, shouty man was on him last week and gave me a hand at the weekend and we've had ANOTHER bit change. Hoping to be a bit more competitive this year, knew we were only making up the numbers last year but hoping he's grown up enough to be more in the mix!

Nic's Pimms is legendary, can't wait!

 

[mrussell]

me me me !! *waves wildly* Never ever been further North than Hull so not sure how my lungs will cope with such thin air but flying up for a long weekend so it had better not flipping rain. Its been more expensive than 2 weeks all inclusive in Greece to stay 2 nights in Scotland !!

And if anyone wants 2 rooms (4 people) and B&B in Edinburgh on the Thursday night (18th) as a stop-over, Ive got 2 to sell off cheap having had to drop a day of the break to fit in with work. Booooo !!

 

[JenniferB]

me me me !! *waves wildly* Never ever been further North than Hull so not sure how my lungs will cope with such thin air but flying up for a long weekend so it had better not flipping rain. Its been more expensive than 2 weeks all inclusive in Greece to stay 2 nights in Scotland !!

Woo hoo really really hope the weather's good - it's such a beautiful part of the country when it's nice, I get quite overly proud of 'my' country when I have visitors from down south and there's nothing better than being able to just let them see for themselves rather than say "well if the rain wasn't coming down sideways and the cloud level wasn't down to about 100ft you'd see that it's really pretty, honest...".

It's an expensive weekend away for sure, my stabling, entries and spends could easily fund a week with guaranteed sunshine somewhere nice! But it's Blair, I've missed one of the last 8 I think. Are you staying on site/close?

 

[mrussell]

We are booked into the Moness Resort Hotel...so will get to some swimming come rain or shine !! Cant wait, its nice just to get away from the old routine ;0)

 

[JenniferB]

I'm somewhat biased, but it is a really good event - loads to do and if the weather holds it's just blissful! the last three years have been mud, rain and gale force winds so hoping someone up there takes pity on us this year and gives us a break! Problem is it needs to stop pouring round about now to make sure the ground holds up...

Not sure where your hotel is, but sure you'll have a great time!

 

[Jingleballs]

I'll be coming with some friends to watch some XC on the Saturday so may bump into some of you there although always tend to miss people at thes busy events!

 

[gracemoran]

Me!! Madly cheering on Rusty in the CIC*** and avoiding flower pots whilst filming him (unlike Bramham!)

Bound to be sunny this year although last year wasn't too bad (in comparison to previous years!)

 

[JenniferB]

Babybear you'll find us lol - the eventers usually do Pimms and ice cream up at the water jump on the Saturday, I'm planning on joining them this year!

Me!! Madly cheering on Rusty in the CIC*** and avoiding flower pots whilst filming him (unlike Bramham!)

Bound to be sunny this year although last year wasn't too bad (in comparison to previous years!)

Don't you dare jinx it lol! I just looked at the 5 day forecast for the closest point (I always had it as Perth but apparently it's Aberfeldy for those of you who rely on the MET office) and it's looking good. To be fair if the weather stays as it is on the run up (sunshine and showers) it should be ok - there's nothing worse than wading across the lorry park for the 50th time in a day through the muck, a dry run up would be the best thing ever!

 

[gillianfleming]

Me too, all 4 days for the first time. Have just over a week off work then as take photos at the show along the road the weekend before.
I can't wait though, will have camera in tow, oh and we are quite often found in the champayne stand

 

[measles]

Us! The lovely people in the show office are just off the phone to say they only received our stabling entry and not class entries in the envelope - how thorough can you get? Not sure what we'll enter yet as *if* A or team qualify for open sj at pc champs we'll be down there the weekend before Blair and so will give Saffy an easier Blair. Jumping GP or accumulator on Sat and speed horse class on Sunday I think though.

Really hope for nice weather - and my generator being a generous generator and actually working for 4 days rather than 2 this year!!

 

[JenniferB]

Me too, all 4 days for the first time. Have just over a week off work then as take photos at the show along the road the weekend before.
I can't wait though, will have camera in tow, oh and we are quite often found in the champayne stand

Gillian I like your thinking - Blair is definitely a bit of a piss up!

Measles I've not sent my entries away yet - think I'll fill out the stuff tonight and get it sent away. We usually leave it to the very last minute but as entries close next Friday for us that's probably last minute enough. Are you taking the big lad too?

 

[Sauchentree_lady]

I just put in my entry!!!! yay!
How spoooky that I've come on here and find the roll call...!

Only 4 weeks you say? Oh boy, have I got alot of work still to do lol!!

I'll need to find out where the HHO camp base is and come find you guys and get the introductions

I'm liking all the good vibes for sunny and dry (but not too hot!)

 

[JenniferB]

I just put in my entry!!!! yay!
How spoooky that I've come on here and find the roll call...!

Only 4 weeks you say? Oh boy, have I got alot of work still to do lol!!

I'll need to find out where the HHO camp base is and come find you guys and get the introductions

I'm liking all the good vibes for sunny and dry (but not too hot!)

It's an omen lol! Fingers crossed for dry and calm - I'm not pushing my luck and asking for sunshine, I'll be content with dry and calm...

Yeah I reckon it's 4 weeks, you might want to check that though cos I have been known to be a bit dizzy!

Base camp is about a mile from the eventing stables and well worth the trek (if only to laugh at the eventers getting the showjumpers drunk...). Will you go to the rider party on the Saturday night?x

 

[Nic]

Did someone say Blair

The tickets arrived this morning, Sherman the party bus has passed his plating the Pimms has been purchased in bulk (thank you Lidl!) We are go!!

Sherman the party bus is based in the on-site camping just across the castle drive from the main event & is a Royal blue fairly ancient (G reg) Merc HGV. If any newcomers want to join you are more than welcome, PM Jen, Figjam or I for contact details. As are the usual suspects as we've no managed to get thrown of the campsite in the past 3 years, must try harder!

Party bus will be up & running every night from Thurs-Sat with the main get together on the Saturday night as usual. There will be a sign in the windscreen but as most don't stagger up til after dark it's probably safer to have a mobile number!

MEEEEEEEEEPPPPP!!!!

 

[FigJam]

MEEEEEEEEEEP, my tickets arrived today as well!

 

[Custard Cream]

Meeeeee! First time for us, we're fence judging, can't blimmin wait as it's our only 'holiday' this year. Going up on the Wed and back on the Sun. Currently trying to organise a caravan and generator, really excited, not done a 3* before, it's part of our Olympic qualification.

 

[smurf]

Hummm.....4 weeks you say.....well not exactly had the season I was hoping for due to exams/eye surgery (me not horse)/ Hutton cancelled/ a bad case of trekhaner-itis etc.

But it's a definite/maybe/perhaps ...... for the CCI*.

The way I look at it is this. If I was going to go away with the girls for a drinking sunny week in Spain I would pay £500/£600 plus spending so why not go to the sunny charms of Pitlochry for a week and take the 'other' man in my life with me too?

As long as I view it as a week of fun and not a serious comp then how much can go wrong?

 

[FigJam]

The way I look at it is this. If I was going to go away with the girls for a drinking sunny week in Spain I would pay £500/£600 plus spending so why not go to the sunny charms of Pitlochry for a week and take the 'other' man in my life with me too?

As long as I view it as a week of fun and not a serious comp then how much can go wrong?

We can check your passport as well as his on arrival if it makes it feel more like a holiday?! You have indeed had a rotten summer, but maybe your luck is due to change? Plenty of grooms/pole putter-uppers kicking around, so make sure to shout if you need a hand. (same offer to Team Echo of course! )

 

[smurf]

Plenty of grooms/pole putter-uppers kicking around, so make sure to shout if you need a hand. (same offer to Team Echo of course! )

Well funny you say that!! I'm not taking a groom/friend with me this year as I am a bit fed up of having to babysit them so it's just me, Hugo and a HUGE vat of booze this year. Plus of course an equally huge vat of suncream to deal with the tropical conditions of Blair 2011.

So anyone who wants to hold a pony for a pick of grass, pick up a pole, polish my boots on dr day etc will be rewarded in alcohol.

Last year I was on my own for trot up day. I was unable to apply hoof oil in his shavings stable so I brought him out and asked a very nice lady to hold him whilst did his hoof oil. She was really nice and chatty, lovely lady. Later that day a groom said to me "I CAN'T believe you asked her to hold your horse for you, she does not even hold her own horses let alone other peoples!"

How odd I thought, as I had no clue who she was. Later in the week i saw the same nice lady on a black horse, it was called Opposition Buzz!! Oops!

Well, if you don't ask you don't get.

 

[EventingMum]

Mixed feelings about Blair for me this year. The plan was for our boy to do the 2* again this year but his fractured jaw in March put paid to that.

However we have our usual booking in The Atholl Arms so we will be up from Wednesday and I think the saddlery stalls will be a top priority to buy Sam some pressies to make up for him not being there – after all it is his favourite event!

OH and I will certainly be less stressed this year as we both get quite nervous watching our son on big occasions. He is spending the week working in the event stables which should take his mind off not competing and although he will work hard he will no doubt party hard too!

Good luck to everyone competing whatever your discipline!

 

[Nic]

Well funny you say that!! I'm not taking a groom/friend with me this year as I am a bit fed up of having to babysit them so it's just me, Hugo and a HUGE vat of booze this year. Plus of course an equally huge vat of suncream to deal with the tropical conditions of Blair 2011.

So anyone who wants to hold a pony for a pick of grass, pick up a pole, polish my boots on dr day etc will be rewarded in alcohol.

Last year I was on my own for trot up day. I was unable to apply hoof oil in his shavings stable so I brought him out and asked a very nice lady to hold him whilst did his hoof oil. She was really nice and chatty, lovely lady. Later that day a groom said to me "I CAN'T believe you asked her to hold your horse for you, she does not even hold her own horses let alone other peoples!"

How odd I thought, as I had no clue who she was. Later in the week i saw the same nice lady on a black horse, it was called Opposition Buzz!! Oops!

Well, if you don't ask you don't get.

Brilliant!

Eventing Mum, Mum & I have the bargain shopping down to a fine art, hit the stalls upon arrival on Thursday for the good bargains then haggle over leftovers on Sunday!

We spent about £50 in Aberdeenshire's stand on 3 Ariat tops, 2 anky tops, a Kyra K top & a Kentucky jacket!

 

[now_loves_mares]

I might go, I haven't decided yet. I would likely only go up for XC day so can't take advantage of the parties, or Nic's wise shopping tips. I'm not much of a camping fan and had a bit of a shock today when the vet's bill came in, so can't really justify spending too much

Bah humbug, I think I'm still in a sulk. I will shuffle off and let the rest of you get back to actually being excited

 

[measles]

Determined to actually see some of the eventing this year as last we got a bit stuck in the sj rings doing things there and nattering and eating doughnuts. Having one horse there (in all likelihood) will make it easier.

Smurf - give me a shout if you are in need of a hand any time and I'm happy to pitch in. If you don't still have my mobile let me know.

 

[gillianfleming]

Smurf if you need a hand give me a shout if you like, quite happy to help out, actually quite miss it when we're at events.
Will be there thurs-sun, just sorted out membership tonight.

 

[Sauchentree_lady]

Last year I was on my own for trot up day. I was unable to apply hoof oil in his shavings stable so I brought him out and asked a very nice lady to hold him whilst did his hoof oil. She was really nice and chatty, lovely lady. Later that day a groom said to me "I CAN'T believe you asked her to hold your horse for you, she does not even hold her own horses let alone other peoples!"

How odd I thought, as I had no clue who she was. Later in the week i saw the same nice lady on a black horse, it was called Opposition Buzz!! Oops!

Well, if you don't ask you don't get.

I LOVE this!!

JB I expect to be finished on sat- think 1*will be XC fri and sj sat- so should be up for a party sat night. Mind last year I couldn't believe how shattered I was by sat night. Think I get party tickets as part of my 'prize' So maybe better use them!

Nicoleak0 you know how to find a bargain, that's a lot of good gear for £50!

Grace, I can position myself somewhere on the XC course away from you and we can try and get more footage of Rust...

Oooh, quite exciting now there's loads of people talking about it!

 

[MissSBird]

Us! We're (me and Fuzz) are coming up with our new (old) lorry and will also be staying in the onsite campsite! And the big black dog is coming as well

Coming up on Thursday to be up early on Friday to support friends in the NPS novice classes (and scout out the connie competition for next year) and then wandering round the cross country on the Saturday.

I really can't wait! Even more so since we're not going to be in a tiny tent this year!