The Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair Blair Atholl, Perthshire Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th August 2000

For those interested in horses, the Bowmore Blair Castle International Horse Trials is the foremost event in Scotland, attracting the cream of the world's event riders. 1999 saw Ruth Friend become the first Scottish winner in Blair's 11 year history. It is hoped that once again Ruth will spearhead the Scottish cohort's drive to win the top prizes on their home ground.

Dressage takes place on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th, with Saturday 26th being the spectacular and challenging cross-country competition before the climax on Sunday 27th, when riders show-jump in reverse order of merit.

The organisers pride themselves on running a top class Three Day Event as well as hosting a Highland Pony Championship, Hunter Classes, BSJA Show Jumping and the biggest Pony Club Games outwith the Prince Phillip Cup.

The Three Day Event began in 1989 as a CCN** and has been run at CCI** level since 1991. The event has gained a reputation for superb scenery, great fun and enjoyment for all, but above all the course has always been challenging whilst being solid, fair and not too technical. The jumps are constructed from the home grown timber for which Atholl Estates has become famous.

For many top riders with young horses Blair is recognised as an ideal launching pad to greater things at **** level. Previous winners include Jabba the Hutt, Tempo, Comic Relief and Lightfoot.

Previous winners at Blair

• 1989 (CCN**) Frances Oakden riding Jabba the Hutt
• 1990 (CCN**) Ann Hardaway (USA) riding In the Red
• 1991 (CCI**) Nigel Taylor riding Nick of Time
• 1992 (CCI**) Blyth Tait (NZ) riding Tempo
• 1993 (CCI**) Rodney Powell riding Comic Relief
• 1994 (CCI**) David O'Connor riding Lightfoot
• 1995 (CCI**) Nicola Parnell (BER) riding Castle Blayney
• 1996 (CCI**) Tiny Clapham riding Sydney James
• 1997
  • (CCN*) Lucinda Fredericks riding Daliance
  • (CCI**) Louisa Myles riding Just Jeeves
• 1998
  • (CCI*) Kerrie Burge riding Acrobat II
  • (CCI**) Sally Swiers riding Sessay Warrior
• 1999
  • (CCI*) Craig Anderson riding Softly Softly III
  • (CCI**) Ruth Friend riding Matthew II