Spotlight on Grassroots Eventing at Blair

If you have never yet had the chance to make the trip north to the spectacular Blair International Horse Trials, you could be forgiven for thinking that it's just an event for your big-time, FEI riders. However, Blair is one of those incredible shows that has something for everyone, quite literally.

In addition to the FEI eventing there's also British Showjumping classes, Working Hunter, Highland ponies, Pony club games, dog agility, birds of prey displays, shopping a-plenty, a food tent, a country fair and lots of prosecco bars of course. But 2018 brought with it something extra special for those of us that look at the pros flying around the FEI courses and think "one day, that will be me", and that ladies and gentlemen, was the arrival of the Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival, aka. the Scottish championships for BE90 and BE100.

This competition was previously held at Hendersyde, an AC local venue, which was a lovely one-day competition with saw competitors ride their dressage, followed by the incredible cross-country course then finish with their showjumping. It was a fantastic venue and the team at Hendersyde ran it so well but when it moved to Blair, the competition was SUPERSIZED.

Blair created an FEI atmosphere for grassroots riders and although I've not competed there myself (I'm too busy manning the trade stand of course), anyone I have spoken to about it has expressed that it is like nothing else available to your everyday Grassroot rider.

"This time last year we were in the midst of an dreamy week with Princess Aqua at Blair Castle Scottish BE100 Grassroots Championships. The week is my all time favourite memory with her, feeling her produce her best performances in all three phases. She really did pull it out the bag, and we finished in 2nd on a score of 28.7
I remember being unbelievably thrilled with how grown up she was in such a big atmosphere. Blair grassroots championships is the perfect introduction, especially for a younger horse, into the international scene. The event in itself will always remain on of my absolute faves and even though we are sad to miss it this year, we are planning our BCIHT 2021 already"

Eilidh and Aqua competing in the BE100 2019

 Picture this: Blair's grand and breathtaking castle sits overlooking the event site as you trot into the main arena, surrounded with flags, trade stands and spectators, your BE90 long arena test swirling around in your head. You're probably feeling a bit nervous but you get down to business and try your very best to contain yourself and your horse to produce the best test you can. When you are finished you come out of the boards and notice that Jonelle Price is doing her 3* test in the arena next to you and you bump into Christopher Burton who has just finished his 4* test and he says "well done". Forget the rest of the event, you're day/week/year/life has been made.

As a grassroots competitor, you get invited to the grand hall in Blair Castle for the riders drinks and generally speaking get the full Blair experience, just without the big scary jumps and the massive hills! The 90 and 100 courses are side by side with a lot of the FEI fences on the flatter areas of the course and you even go through the famous Malcom water complex, although you definitely don't have to jump the famous Forth Road Bridges.

"It was such a fantastic experience from start to finish competing in the grassroots championships the first year they were held at Blair. I especially loved getting to ride through the iconic water complex but was very grateful for the smaller versions of the international jumps! It’s great to have something so special to aim to qualify for in Scotland as a grassroots rider."

Louise and Maisie competing in the BE90 2018

Finally, after an adrenaline-filled week, most likely fuelled by chocolate and Gin (over 18s only of course), you get to canter into the main arena once again for your showjumping. Obviously, everyone wants to go clear but whether you do the best round of your life or you have every single pole down on the course, we can guarantee you'll have had the BEST WEEK EVER, getting the FEI treatment at beautiful Blair.

See you in 2021

Sarah x 

Thanks so much to Dave Cameron Photography so supplying the photos of Louise and Eilidh both competing in their Apt Cavalier tops.