Horse_amp_amp_Hound__06_February_2018

BEST FOR BREATHTAKING VIEWS
Laytown Races
When? 6 September
Where? Laytown, Co. Meath
What to expect:
Every September hooves can be heard
pounding along the beach at the small seaside
resort of Laytown (main picture), 29 miles
north of Dublin, for the only race event run on
a beach under the Rules of the Turf Club. All
races must be completed before the tide comes
in — which adds to the drama — and although
it’s busy you can see for miles, whether you’re
on the beach itself or up in the stand.
“The thrill of the horses thundering
by on the saltwater sands is a unique and
exhilarating experience,” says Co. Fermanaghbased
writer Helen Sharp. “The weather can
be ‘Irish’, so dress for cosy rather than catwalk
and be sure to have a punt and some craic on
one of the betting stands.”
Tickets €10
laytownstrandraces.ie
Treborough Hill Horse Trials
When? 23-24 June and 25-26 August
Where? Treborough Hill, Somerset
What to expect:
If there was a competition for the highest
geographical venue in the British Eventing
calendar, Treborough would be in the running.
“Situated in Exmoor National Park in an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has
panoramic views of heather-covered hills and
the sea looking towards the Welsh mountains,”
says organiser Sarah Weatherlake. “There is
ample safe space out on the cross-country
course close to the start, where, weather
permitting, spectators are welcome to picnic
and enjoy the sport. We are lucky to have
skylarks and curlew here on Treborough
Common — a real treat on a summer’s day.
“And our top tip for your day? Come
prepared with suncream and an extra coat.
Being at the top of a Somerset hill we are likely
to experience a range of weather.”
Free to watch
treboroughhill.co.uk
Blair Castle International
Horse Trials
When? 23-26 August
Where? Blair Castle, Perthshire
What to expect:
Arm yourself with midge repellent, prepare
yourself for every weather outcome (who could
forget the biblical rain of the 2015 European
Eventing Championships?) and stand by to
see the Scottish Highlands at their best. With
the magical Blair Castle as the backdrop, this
is a place to escape the everyday bustle of the
south, and watch some of Britain’s top eventers
in action in the three-star competition and
sixth leg of the Event Riders Masters. Plus
you can marvel at the Highland ponies in the
showing classes and keep less-horsey family
members entertained with the country fair
that runs simultaneously.
Don’t leave for home without swinging
past the House of Bruar in the village
(a Harrods of the north) to stock up in the
food hall: think smoked salmon, buttery
fudge and venison sausages.
Tickets from £12
blairhorsetrials.co.uk
Words by Madeleine Silver. Picture by Design Pics Inc/Alamy
8 February 2018 Horse & Hound 29