Blair Europeans’ countdown diary: 5 weeks to go

As we make our way into the Scottish “summer” we are getting ever closer to the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle (10–13 September).

I hope you enjoy following my regular diary updates in the run up to the event to show what’s really going on behind the scenes. As assistant director, every day is very different so I am glad to have a fantastic team behind me.

I am delighted to be welcoming Horse Sport Ireland on board and their new initiative, The Irish Horse Gateway, will sponsor the International Supporters Pavilion. This is situated alongside the main arena and is a private supporters’ enclosure adjacent to the athletes and sponsors’ marquees.

This week we have had an important meeting with our health and safety officer and site manager to discuss the logistics of the grandstand and marquee erection, which will be commencing soon.

We are really excited to have grandstands at Blair; admission to the uncovered grandstand will be free of charge on the Thursday and Friday of the event, and is available to book on Sunday to guarantee the perfect view of the final phase. With very little standing room at the arena rail, it is the best way to ensure a good view of the action!

If you would prefer to explore the shopping village on Sunday or perhaps visit the fantastic Bruadar Country Fair, you can still keep an eye on the showjumping via big screens which will be up around the site.

The team in the office are all looking incredibly smart in their new boots courtesy of Fairfax & Favour (pictured), who will be joining us with a trade stand at Blair in September! The team are busy packing and posting membership packs and grandstand tickets, so they should be dropping on doormats shortly.

We have had a lot of rain here in the Scottish Highlands recently, and as a result the course is looking very green! The course builders have lots to do, but are doing a great job with the added challenge of trying not to create too much mud.

Another change for the Europeans at Blair Castle this year is to the campsite; with more attendees than ever before we have had a major rethink on the location/layout and this year the camping area will be different and bigger than ever.

Our 50 days to go milestone passed a couple of weeks ago with a huge social media engagement from both the national and international Blair 2015 supporters, which means we are feeling especially positive as we get closer to September. Make sure you follow our social media channels for exclusive competitions, event news and behind the scenes information!

To find out more and to purchase our early bird discounted tickets please visit our online box office on the website www.blair2015.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/blairhorsetrials

Twitter @BCIHT #Blair2015

Instagram @BCIHT #Blair2015

Nicky

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