Blair Castle gears up for international event

With just one year until the Scottish Highlands hosts the 2015 FEI European Championships, BlairCastle is gearing up for its annual International Horse Trials (21-24 August).

Title defenders

Australia’s Lucinda Fredericks will be back to defend her 2013 CIC3* title. She has two horses entered – her winning ride Flying Finish and Mr Sydney Rocks.

Last year’s runners up Lucy Wiegersma and Mr Chunky are also competing and are on top form, following their fifth place in the Open Championship at Gatcombe Park.

Louise Harwood was third at Gatcombe with Whitson, on whom she has been selected as reserve for the World Equestrian Games (WEG). Louise won the Blair event back in 2005 and is back again to have another crack.

Back-to-back wins

Nicola Wilson was also on the WEG reserve list, but has been just called up to the squad. She has entered four horses for Blair, but all eyes will be on the crowd-favouite Opposition Buzz, who enjoyed back-to-back wins atBlairin 2009 and 2010.

Another one to watch is Laura Collett, who will be riding her new horse Grand Manoeuvre. He was produced to four-star level by Nick Gauntlett and Laura took over the ride after Badminton.

Alongside the main event are the CCI2* and CCI1*, as well as showing, British Showjumping and Pony Club classes.