This year’s Blair Castle International Horse Trials aim to raise thousands of pounds for one of the nation’s best-loved charities.
Guide Dogs Scotland, which supports blind and partially-sighted people, has been chosen as the event’s official charity partner for 2013.
Running over four days, from August 22-25, the Highland Perthshire gathering is Scotland’s leading equestrian event, attracting more than 40,000 visitors.
Each year the event links with a good cause and the partnership presents an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the charity.
“We are thrilled and delighted to be given this opportunity to be associated with such a powerful brand,” said Alis Atagan from Guide Dogs Scotland, which provides a range of mobility services for blind and partially-sighted people.
“There are around 530 guide dog partnerships in Scotland but only because the public puts them there.
“The life-changing guide dog service receives no Government funding, and is supported entirely by public generosity.
“The occasion represents a unique opportunity to support Guide Dogs Scotland in boosting mobility and independence for blind and partially-sighted people.”
Nicky Townshend from Blair Castle Horse Trials added: “Guide Dogs Scotland does such great work, which really changes lives, and we are excited to be able to support them.
“Our competitors develop amazing partnerships with their horses, but the relationship between a guide dog and their owner is truly incredible.”
To make the event extra special, Guide Dogs Scotland will be joined by a special mascot in celebration of the partnership guide dog puppy Blair.
Born at 3.33am on Saturday December 8, in the Brood holders home in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, Blair was third of eight pups and his birth weight was 43g.
Blair surprised Guide Dogs staff by being the only yellow pup of the litter.
He is now taking his first steps on the road to becoming a guide dog by learning the ropes with his volunteer puppy walker, who is based in Perthshire.
For more information on Blair’s progress, and to learn more about the charity, visit guidedogsscotland.org.uk.
You can also support Guide Dogs through puppy Blair’s Just Giving page at justgiving.com/Blairspage.