Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair has this week received a boost from EventScotland, which has confirmed its support for the event through 2007.
The funding — part of a four-year plan for the event — totals £50,000 for this year, and is crucial as organisers continue to prepare to host the European Young Rider Eventing Championships (23-26 August).
“We first applied for the funding on a regional programme, but soon qualified for the international programme as we’re holding the European Championships — it ticked the right boxes,” said Sarah Phillips at Blair Castle. “While we had a four-year plan, we need to meet key performance indicators each year and we were delighted to receive the continued support.”
EventScotland aims to enhance Scotland’s international profile as an event destination and increase tourism in the country. As well as funding from EventScotland, Blair Castle is receiving support from Perth and Kinross Council, sportscotland and the Scottish Equestrian Association.
Sarah Phillips added: “We are looking forward to welcoming around 65 young riders from up to 16 European nations. Atholl Estates is committed to running a top class international event with three, two and one star classes alongside the championship.”
Blair Castle International Horse Trials is the only three-star three-day event in Scotland and one of only three in the UK.
www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk
