500 riders trot along to horse trials at Hopetoun

RIDERS from as far afield as Colombia, Japan, Canada and New Zealand are among almost 500 to have entered an inaugural horse trial event in Scotland.

The Gillespie Macandrew Hopetoun International Horse Trials will take place in the grounds of Hopetoun House, overlooking the Forth, near Edinburgh, on 30 and 31 July.

The popularity of the event, whose media partner is The Scotsman, in what is its first year has delighted organisers.

Director Stuart Buntine said: "This is a huge international turnout for a one-day-event and it is a lot more than I expected. It is a real compliment to Hope-toun that so many riders are coming north to compete."

Edinburgh law firm Gillespie Macandrew has signed a three-year deal as title sponsor.

Tom Murray, head of private client and charity at the company, said: "I have to commend the organisers on the breadth of event they are arranging: a superb equestrian competition for beginners through to international standard riders and a host of other attractions for a wide cross-section of the public."

Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer at EventScotland, said: "The Gillespie Macandrew Hope-toun International Horse Trials are living up to the event name with an international field of riders for next week's event.

"The quality of riders coming from around the world will undoubtedly attract visitors to Hopetoun and the local area from other parts of Scotland and beyond.

"The setting will showcase the Hopetoun estate and Scotland as the perfect stage for equestrian events, and I am sure it will continue to gain international profile in the years to come."

Tickets cost 10 for over 14s, children free, for each day with weekend passes also available.