The international Blair Castle Horse Trials will not run after this year. Organisers said today that the land on which the event is held is “increasing its involvement in regenerative agriculture” so will need to be “managed all year round in a way that is in accordance with its environmental aims”. The event will run as a final celebration in 2024, its 35th anniversary. Blair event director Alec Lochore said: “Of course, it is the end of an era for everyone involved – sponsors, competitors, volunteers, spectators and many more – and we are determined to sign off with a tremendous celebration at this year’s event in August.”
The British horse world is uniting to pledge to the best possible standards for equine welfare. British Equestrian (BEF), its member bodies and other key figures have signed the new Charter for the Horse, pledging to “endorse the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing and ethics”. BEF CEO Jim Eyre said: “In our privileged position to live and work with horses, we must champion the very best standards and excellence levels for their welfare – it’s non-negotiable, and the support for bringing this overarching Charter for the Horse to fruition has been outstanding.”
There has been praise for Tweseldown, as it has stepped up at the last minute to run replacement classes to those lost at Cirencester (1). The latter had to abandon its event due to run this weekend owing to ground conditions, so Tweseldown offered to run a replacement fixture. Organiser Rachel Faulkner said: “It’s all hands on deck, and I just want to say a huge thank you to everybody who has stepped up after our millions of phone calls to see if they can help.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
