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

The Three Day Event is a comprehensive test of all-round ability of both horse and rider. It evolved from the requirements for a top class military charger - steadiness on parade, the ability to cross the countryside in battle, and then to continue with duties after a strenuous day.

The sport of eventing has significant roots in Perthshire, and we are indeed proud to carry on the tradition at Blair. The Blair 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 its beautiful scenery and for a course that has always been challenging whilst being solid, fair and not too technical. All the jumps are constructed from home grown timber for which Atholl Estates are famous. The event has grown considerably over the years and is now a showcase for the best of Scottish equestrianism. It enjoys significant public recognition with an attendance in excess of 21,000 in 1999.

The Event

Internationally there are four levels of competition. These are rated by 'Stars'. The event at Blair plays host to competition on two levels. The CCI* caters for those, equine or human, entering their first Three Day Event, while the CCI**, a higher grade, is entered by those wishing to take younger horses on to more advanced levels of competition. In addition, Blair is staging an International Team Competition within the CCI**. Each team consists of four riders, from which the best three scores are taken to determine the winners.

The scoring system is based on penalty marks, the winner therefore being the horse and rider with the lowest number of penalties at the end of the competition.

Nowadays the skill of the rider is at least as important as the ability of the horse. With today's standards, in order to win, both horse and rider must excel at all three phases of the competition.

Dressage Cross Country: Phase A - Roads Tracks Phase B - Steeplechase Phase C - Roads Tracks Phase D - Cross Country Obstacles Show Jumping

If you have never been to a horse trials before, don't be misled into thinking it is only about horses. You will find the Country Fair in full swing and you can try your hand at a variety of country pursuits.

There is something for everyone: off-road driving, quad bikes, vintage tractors and terrier racing. Meet the alpacas, llamas and other rare breeds. Watch the heavy horses in action. Run your dog in the gun dog scurry.

Displays and demonstrations will include:

• Fly Casting
• Duck Herding
• Scottish Falconry
• Terrier Racing
• Heavy Horse Logging
• and lots more!!

There are lots of diversions for children of all ages and entertainment for all to enjoy - try your hand at:

• Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting
• Air Rifle Target Shooting
• Mini-Quad Bikes
• Steam Train Rides
• Archery
• Off-Road Driving
• Bouncy Castles
• Or you can shop till you drop in the Tented village!

For adults there will be whisky tastings held by event sponsor, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd. Famous for their Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, this company has won three prestigious Queen's Awards for Export Achievement in 1996, 1997 and 1998, a very rare triple.

In the Refreshment area, you can enjoy juggling, Scottish fiddling and Highland Dancing. Alternatively, enjoy demonstrations given by top chefs, and sample the best of Scottish Fare in the ever popular Festival of Food.

So don't miss the chance to come to this most beautiful part of Scotland and participate in a very special event!