Hopetoun Horse Trials has run for the last time, organisers have confirmed, as it is not financially viable. The West Lothian event, which included CIC one-, two- and three-star and CCI one- and two-star classes, did not attract enough entries so it was “not worth going on”, according to Stuart Buntine, director of organiser Bede Events.
“We struggled with entries, and to find a date; we had to move it three or four times,” Mr Buntine told H&H.Mr Buntine said the event had included grassroots British Eventing classes before Bede took it over, in 2011, but that he wanted to concentrate on the international side. “When we started, there were very few events in Scotland, now there’s a huge number,” he said. Mr Buntine added that the decision was made before it was announced that Barbury Castle was on the market, adding: “Had we known that, it might have made us sit up and think.” A British Eventing spokesman said: “British Eventing wishes to express its sincere thanks to the Earl and Countess of Hopetoun who have kindly permitted the running of the horse trials across their estate for many years, and our gratitude to the organisers, volunteers and countless people who have supported Hopetoun Horse Trials. “Scotland also next year welcomes an additional fixture at Kirriemuir Horse Trials (in Angus), plus 2016 saw two events at Perth-based Forgandenny Horse Trials for the first time.”