Horse_amp_amp_Hound__06_February_2018
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BEST FOR BREATHTAKING VIEWS<br />
Laytown Races<br />
When? 6 September<br />
Where? Laytown, Co. Meath<br />
What to expect:<br />
Every September hooves can be heard<br />
pounding along the beach at the small seaside<br />
resort of Laytown (main picture), 29 miles<br />
north of Dublin, for the only race event run on<br />
a beach under the Rules of the Turf Club. All<br />
races must be completed before the tide comes<br />
in — which adds to the drama — and although<br />
it’s busy you can see for miles, whether you’re<br />
on the beach itself or up in the stand.<br />
“The thrill of the horses thundering<br />
by on the saltwater sands is a unique and<br />
exhilarating experience,” says Co. Fermanaghbased<br />
writer Helen Sharp. “The weather can<br />
be ‘Irish’, so dress for cosy rather than catwalk<br />
and be sure to have a punt and some craic on<br />
one of the betting stands.”<br />
Tickets €10<br />
laytownstrandraces.ie<br />
Treborough Hill <strong>Horse</strong> Trials<br />
When? 23-24 June and 25-26 August<br />
Where? Treborough Hill, Somerset<br />
What to expect:<br />
If there was a competition for the highest<br />
geographical venue in the British Eventing<br />
calendar, Treborough would be in the running.<br />
“Situated in Exmoor National Park in an<br />
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has<br />
panoramic views of heather-covered hills and<br />
the sea looking towards the Welsh mountains,”<br />
says organiser Sarah Weatherlake. “There is<br />
<strong>amp</strong>le safe space out on the cross-country<br />
course close to the start, where, weather<br />
permitting, spectators are welcome to picnic<br />
and enjoy the sport. We are lucky to have<br />
skylarks and curlew here on Treborough<br />
Common — a real treat on a summer’s day.<br />
“And our top tip for your day? Come<br />
prepared with suncream and an extra coat.<br />
Being at the top of a Somerset hill we are likely<br />
to experience a range of weather.”<br />
Free to watch<br />
treboroughhill.co.uk<br />
Blair Castle International<br />
<strong>Horse</strong> Trials<br />
When? 23-26 August<br />
Where? Blair Castle, Perthshire<br />
What to expect:<br />
Arm yourself with midge repellent, prepare<br />
yourself for every weather outcome (who could<br />
forget the biblical rain of the 2015 European<br />
Eventing Ch<strong>amp</strong>ionships?) and stand by to<br />
see the Scottish Highlands at their best. With<br />
the magical Blair Castle as the backdrop, this<br />
is a place to escape the everyday bustle of the<br />
south, and watch some of Britain’s top eventers<br />
in action in the three-star competition and<br />
sixth leg of the Event Riders Masters. Plus<br />
you can marvel at the Highland ponies in the<br />
showing classes and keep less-horsey family<br />
members entertained with the country fair<br />
that runs simultaneously.<br />
Don’t leave for home without swinging<br />
past the House of Bruar in the village<br />
(a Harrods of the north) to stock up in the<br />
food hall: think smoked salmon, buttery<br />
fudge and venison sausages.<br />
Tickets from £12<br />
blairhorsetrials.co.uk<br />
Words by Madeleine Silver. Picture by Design Pics Inc/Alamy<br />
8 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2018</strong> <strong>Horse</strong> & <strong>Hound</strong> 29