The First Borders Festival Of The Horse in the Scottish Borders, Scotland's Horse Country 18 - 29 May 2002

Boasting more horses per capita of population than any other region in
Scotland, the Scottish Borders is rightly known as Scotland's Horse Country.
Its historic riding traditions are maintained by the Border towns in their
annual Common Ridings when cavalcades of horses ride the boundaries of the
common land, and the importance of the horse in local life is evident from
the wide range of equine businesses and attractions located in this scenic
and unspoilt region.

To showcase and celebrate what Scotland's Horse Country can offer in the way
of entertainment, spectacle, recreation and culture, the Borders committee
of the British Horse Society (Scotland) has organised the first Borders
Festival of the Horse to take place between 18 and 29 May this year.

With over 40 events spread over the 12 days, the Festival, which is
sponsored by Bank of Scotland, promises a wealth of activities and
attractions for both riders and non-riders combining opportunities for
taking part in leisure rides, competitions and training sessions with a
programme of demonstrations, yard visits and open days as well as major
sporting events such as the Floors Castle International Horse Trials (18 &
19 May) and national hunt racing at Kelso (29 May).

Virginia Scott Watson, Chair of the Borders committee of British Horse
Society (Scotland), explained that the programme has been put together with
three types of people in mind: "We wanted to provide activities that would
be of interest to experienced riders who may wish to bring their horses to
the Borders, but we also wanted to encourage young riders and beginners,
too. Local riding centres are offering discounts on tuition throughout the
festival and horses can be borrowed or hired for many activities. Finally,
there are plenty of events that can be enjoyed by non-riders and people who
just want to discover more about the equine world or enjoy a fun day out. We
want this to be a Festival that everyone can enjoy."

The centrepiece of the festival will be an Equine Extravaganza Festival day
at Springwood Park showground in Kelso on Saturday 25 May featuring a packed
programme of displays and competitions headed by the spectacular Chariots of
Fire display team. Other highlights include an exclusive tour of the Floors
Castle stud followed by a champagne reception in the Castle's magnificent
state rooms (Tuesday 28 May) and a programme of guided rides at locations
throughout the Borders taking riders through some of the best riding country
in Scotland (20 - 24 May).

Full details of the Festival are available on the British Horse Society
(Scotland) website at www.bhsscotland.org.uk or by requesting a festival
brochure from Ann Fraser on 01835 863020 or by e-mailing
festival@bhsscotland.org.uk.