Blair to host Young Rider Europeans

Blair Castle International Horse Trials’ organisers are celebrating that they have been chosen to host the 2007 European Eventing Championship for Young Riders (23-26 August, ’07).

Horse trials director Sarah Phillips said: “We are delighted to be holding the European Young Rider Championship. Hosting this championship will compliment the existing event and raise the profile of Blair Castle to a higher level both nationally and internationally.”

The championship is open to riders aged between 18 and 21 and is expected to attract some 50 competitors from around 16 nations including France, Germany, Russia, Hungary and Portugal. Many of Britain’s top senior competitors previously demonstrated their talent at young rider level, including 1987 young rider European champion Pippa Funnell.

Sarra Mayberry, team gold medallist at last year’s Young Rider Europeans in Sweden, said: “It’s great the European Championship is coming to Scotland as it will give more young riders the incentive to aim for places in the British team.”

Blair Castle usually holds a one-star and a three-star competition during it’s international horse trial weekend, but it will run an additional two-star class this year (24-27 August, ’06) in preparation for the CCI** Young Rider European Championship.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.