The organisers of Blair Castle Horse Trials in Scotland have been successful in their bid to host the 2015 FEI European Eventing Championships.

Showcased its credentials

Last month, five high profile delegates representing Britain, traveled to the FEI’s headquarters in Lausanne, Geneva. Their proposal showcased the credentials of Scotland’s biggest equestrian event and its organisers, along with the spectacular backdrop of the Atholl Estate in Perthshire.

The team, which is led by Andrew Finding, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), also includes Stuart Turner, events director for EventScotland; Rebecca Edser, events consultant at UK Sport; and Alec Lochore, event director of the Blair Castle international horse trials and country fair.

Government backing

The minister for sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson, said that the bid was a “top priority” for the UK Government and described eventing as “an integral part of our sporting culture”.

According to Finding, the support of Hugh Robertson, along with UK Sport and EventScotland was instrumental in driving the bid. “It was a privilege to lead such a highly professional bid team and I know that the backing we have enjoyed here, combined with the level of professionalism and care that goes into our eventing community, will ensure this translates into a wonderful championships," he said.