The Scottish branch of British Showjumping has launched a new summer show, set on the hallowed turf of the Royal Highland’s Showground.
Dubbed the ‘Summer Extravaganza’ the new competition will take place for its inaugural year at Ingliston, outside Edinburgh, on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20.
The show is expected to prove highly popular, with classes for all levels of affiliated BS competition, according to Central Scotland representative Anne Logan.
“Scotland has always traditionally been awarded the first two direct qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show for the Foxhunter and Newcomers second rounds,” she said.
“We’ve been keen to hold these HOYS qualifiers on grass for a number of years now, so this new summer event will provide Scotland’s riders with a great new stage for the qualifiers.
“It really will be something a little bit new and exciting. It is hugely exciting to be able to bring more British Showjumping to the Royal Highland Showground,” she added.
“Ingliston really is a location that is so special to Scotland’s riders, but traditionally not everyone has been able to compete there. Now, at the Summer Extravaganza, riders of all level and ability will all be able to.”
The show will incorporate two new Scottish grand finals The Loch Leven Equine Practice 1m05 Championship and the LPW Finance 1m15 Championship.
Qualifying rounds for these competitions are now under way at BS venues across the country, including at Morris EC, Kingsbarn, Tillyoch, Inchcoonans, SNEC, Ingliston Country Club and at The Cabin.
The top five eligible riders from each qualifying class will gain passage to the respective championship finals.
Each of these grand finals, as well as the qualifiers for HOYS, will take place at the Summer Extravaganza in the arena fondly known to riders at the Highland as ‘Ring Six’.
Amateur classes from British Novice and upwards will take place in the ‘Thistle arena’.
While the schedule for the two-day competition has yet to be finalised, Mrs Logan said the show will undoubtedly provide plenty of “razzamatazz” for both riders and spectators.
“The Highland Showground is perfectly suited for this type of competition with its acres of hardstanding for parking so we really hope this will pave the way for more events in the future at Ingliston, for the benefit and enjoyment of the equestrian fraternity.”
Organisers of the Hopetoun International Horse Trials have also added affilliated BS competition to their action-packed weekend of equestrian activity.
The Horse Trials run from Thursday, June 26 until Sunday, June 29 with showjumping now a new feature for the Friday (June 27) line-up.
Set on the stunning West Lawn of the Hopetoun Estate, outside South Queensferry, three BS classes will be staged for junior and senior riders.
A Small Pony Open (138cm), a Speed Class and a Grand Prix will provide a prize pot of approximately £3,000 for riders.
“With Hopetoun House as the backdrop, this will be one of the most spectacular arenas in the country,” said organiser Stuart Buntine.
“We look forward to this becoming a regular part of the Horse Trials weekend.”
Scotland’s Pony Clubs have also been invited to Hopetoun to take part in a team showjumping contest on the closing day of the event.
Full information is available from www.hopetounhorsetrials.co.uk