Scone Palace International Horse Trials
Running from 21st to 24th August, Scone Palace International Horse Trials is on target to become the third largest Horse Trials in the UK.
This exciting new event promises four thrilling days of top-level competition, as riders representing countries as far-flung as Switzerland, China, New Zealand, Italy, the UK and Ireland arrive in Perth for a packed schedule of FEI international and grassroots eventing, showjumping, and showing.
Major stars and local heroes are among the excellent entries, including all three members of Britain's Olympic gold medal-winning team from Paris 2024: Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Ros Canter.
Scotland's leading event rider, Wills Oakden is bringing several horses, and other top names include the flying Scot himself, the legendary Ian Stark; Badminton and Burghley heroine Piggy March; and Irish Olympian Austin O'Connor.
With early figures now in, it is anticipated the inaugural event will welcome more than 25,000 people. Based on studies around similar events, this should translate to circa £3 million of economic impact, including 5000 bed nights and £1million in food and drink alone.
William Stormont, Event Director commented, “We started conversations in Spring last year, after I was made aware of the impending closure of the excellent Blair Castle International Horse Trials. We know the event reasonably well and I understood the significant social and economic impact it had on the Perthshire area.
"We’re very grateful for the support of Perth & Kinross Council who were obviously keen to ensure an event of this calibre stayed in the Perthshire area. A grant of £30,000 has assisted us in moving forward with year one, and this will undoubtedly contribute towards the event success."
Beyond the sport, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of shopping, food, drink, and family-friendly activities. The heart of the social scene is the Shopping and Lifestyle Village, showcasing over 140 leading brands - including High Street favourite Joules - covering equestrian apparel, country wear, artisan crafts and homewares, and quality horse and pet supplies.
The award-winning, Perth-based, Willowgate Adventure Centre will also be on hand with Laser Clays, Axe Throwing, Mini Highland Games and Mini Croquetto to test skills and generate a little competition amongst the crowds of friends!
Alongside this, a mouthwatering food and drink offer of street food trucks will keep everyone fuelled and refreshed. Focused on supporting the area's thriving food and drink sector, the event has ambitions to become synonymous with quality, locally sourced ingredients, attention to detail, and seasonal flavour combos designed to pack a punch.
William explained, “The Horse Trials are more than an equestrian event; they’re a showcase of Scottish heritage and excellence and that strong ethos is richly expressed in the food offer. We know from experience that when local ingredients and artisan food is woven into the fabric of an event, visitors enjoy a fuller, more immersive experience. By celebrating the best of of the area's land, tradition, and talent, we’ve ensured that it’s not just about feeding guests; it’s about offering up a sense of people and place they’ll never forget.”
Find out more and book tickets now: sconehorsetrials.co.uk
