After months of planning and hard work, Floors Castle Horse Trials are finally upon us and with record entries of more than 600, it’s looking to be an exciting weekend.
Floors Horse Trials have been running within the parkland of the castle for nearly 25 years and have gone from strength to strength. At a time when Scottish events such as Thirlestane and Scone Palace were ending, Floors reinvented itself and has come out stronger than ever.
The international classes are offering some of the best prize money in the country which has generated a huge amount of interest from the likes of Oliver Townend, who was second at Badminton last weekend, and Olympic rider Nicola Wilson.
Some of the Borders’ best talents will also be competing, including 4-star rider Emily Galbraith and the former Under-18 National Champion and one fourth of GB’s 2012 gold medallist European Junior team, Isabella Innes Ker (competing on home ground, of course).
Exciting new developments include an NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) Show Jumping competition that will see students from the high schools of Jedburgh, Kelso and Berwickshire battle it out for a chance to qualify for a spot in the Championships in Buckinghamshire later this year. Whilst local pony clubs participate in a friendly games competition to hone their skills for their championship.
It’s not all about the horses as Sunday is family day. Running alongside the event will be family entertainment including dog agility and a pet show in which spectators can enter their dogs for a chance to win a prize. There is also the opportunity to shop at some the wonderful trade stands, enjoy some delicious food and, all being well, enjoy the sunshine.
Floors Castle Horse Trials takes place on May 16-18 in the beautiful grounds of Floors Castle, Kelso.
Gates open from 9am with competition on throughout the day. Admission is £5 per adult and free admission to children.