The British Horse Society Scotland presents a stunning Borders Festival of the Horse

The unique Borders Festival of the Horse is taking place for the 11th time this year with 30 events running over 10 days, starting with a varied programme on Friday 18 May.

From jousting to jumping, incorporating working horses, equitation science and horse whispering, and introducing clever donkeys and equestrian art,  this year’s Festival promises to be a unique equestrian feast, as BHS Borders celebrates the place of the horse in local culture.

The festival began in 2001 following the foot and mouth epidemic to emphasise the horse as a driving force in Borders economy and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Half a dozen historical guided rides allow people to explore Scotland’s horse country on their own mount, and from 18-27 May a unique collection of events take place during the day and in the evenings.

Two major high profile events form the backbone of the Festival, Floors  Horse Trails in the unique setting of Floors Castle on 19 and 20 May, with the last Kelso Races meeting of the year on the final day of the festival on 27 May. This grand finale is Kelso Races Ladies Day, and will feature live music, boutique shopping and a ‘Fine Fillies charity race’, sponsored by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Last year around 10,000 people attended the Festival and organiser Ann Fraser said: “The 11th festival is designed to be more compact than previous years, but just as exciting and varied. If you love horses there is no better place to be than the Scottish Borders in May.”

For more information on timings and events please visit www.bordersfestivalhorse.org

For further press information and pictures, please contact our Press Officer: Alison Coleman, The British Horse Society, 02476 840463 or a.coleman@bhs.org.uk 

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