Scone Palace is to become the new host of international horse trials from 2025, organisers have announced.
It comes after it was announced earlier this year the trials would be moving on from Blair Castle after 35 years due to changes in how the farmland is managed.
The farmland on which the trials are held is increasing its involvement in regenerative agriculture and in future the land will require to be managed all year round in a way that is in accordance with its environmental aims.
From August 2025 the event – using the same format – will be held at Scone Palace, attracting thousands of people to Perthshire.
The first Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place in the parklands of the palace and the adjacent Perth Racecourse.
A spokesperson for Scone Palace said: “Scone Palace is proud to announce, in partnership with British Eventing, that it will host a new CCI4*-L horse trials event from August 2025 – the Scone Palace International Horse Trials.
“Earlier this year it was confirmed that the 35th annual Blair Castle International Horse Trials, being held later this week, would be the final such event at the venue. Since that decision was announced, Scone Palace has engaged with the sport to bring a new major event to Perthshire.
“The first Scone Palace International Horse Trials will be held next August in the historic and picturesque Parklands of Scone Palace and the adjacent Perth Racecourse, offering a unique and enhanced setting for this new world-class event.
“The establishment of this equestrian competition at this iconic location reinforces Perthshire’s status as a premier destination for international sporting events and ensures the continuation of top-tier eventing in the region.”
Matthew Taylor, director of racing at Perth Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to be taking on the honour of running the new Scone Palace International Horse Trials at the parkland at Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
“The team at Blair Atholl has done a wonderful job over the past 35 years of hosting such a coveted event in the equestrian calendar.
“We cannot wait for the opportunity to begin our own new chapter and deliver what we are confident will be Scotland’s leading equestrian event.”
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