The Clark family at Valleyfield Farm hosted their second British Eventing (BE) Horse Trials
on the 13th and 14th of June 2026. As the reigning Scottish BE Event of the Year,
expectations were high and they delivered in style.
Building on the success of their inaugural event, the volunteer-led team once again
showcased everything that has made the South of Scotland Horse Trials one of the most
talked-about additions to the British Eventing calendar. This year, the organisers set
themselves two clear objectives: introducing Intermediate Eventing back to Scotland, and
continuing to champion youth participation in the sport. With the support of new title sponsor
Fine & Country Scotland, both ambitions were achieved with the same enthusiasm and
attention to detail that have quickly become hallmarks of the event.
International course designer Andrew Heffernan once again made imaginative use of the
rolling Galloway countryside, creating a true test for horse and rider. His newest track
provided Scotland’s only Intermediate BE course, attracting competitors from across the
United Kingdom. Fresh from a course-building trip to France, the Jump1 team, led by
Dominic Moore, arrived in Scotland brimming with creativity. What they produced was
nothing short of exceptional, with beautifully built and meticulously dressed fences that
became a talking point throughout the weekend.
The weekend began on Friday evening with Olympic event rider Ian Stark OBE leading two
course walks- one around the new Intermediate track and the other around the grassroots
courses. Despite commitments at Bramham International Horse Trials the same weekend, Ian
made the journey to support the event. He admitted to Event Organiser Nina Clark that he
was disappointed not to be competing in the event himself! Both course walks were held in
aid of the event’s charity partner, the British Eventing Support Trust, of which Ian is Chair of
Trustees. Together with fundraising activities throughout the weekend, the event has raised
£1,130 for the charity’s vital work supporting members of the eventing community.
Saturday began with a touch of drizzle, but thanks to the venue’s all-weather facilities,
competition continued uninterrupted. By Saturday afternoon the sunshine had returned and,
helped by a drying breeze, left The Malcolm Group grass showjumping arena in excellent
condition for Sunday’s competition.
Spectators could often be heard comparing the presentation and atmosphere to some of thesport’s most prestigious fixtures, with many commenting on the outstanding value offered by a family day out in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway. A favourite spectator viewing spot
was at the W1M Water Jump, which featured several exciting new fences. Among the most
popular was “Rabbie McCrabby”, who joined the langoustines from last year.
Entries increased by 10% this year, rising to 401 combinations, a particularly impressive
achievement given that Bramham International Horse Trials was running on the same
weekend. Riders travelled from every corner of the United Kingdom to compete, with
competitors making the journey from the Isle of Man, the Isle of Mull, Northern Ireland and
as far north as Wick. Among those making the trip was Northern Ireland rider Nicola Martin,
who finished second in BE90 Section K, demonstrating the growing reputation of the event
far beyond south-west Scotland. The South of Scotland Horse Trials’ commitment to
supporting competitors was further demonstrated through subsidised on-site stabling, helping make attendance more accessible for those travelling long distances.
Youth participation remained at the heart of the event, with approximately one-third of all
starters aged 25 or under. Local young riders produced a number of standout performances.
Jodie Caig claimed victory in the Intermediate section, Zurie Dempster won the Novice
Under-18 section, while Anna Graham and Eden McCulloch finished first and second
respectively in the GO BE90. There were many more notable performances from local riders
across the weekend, too many to mention individually.
Against this backdrop, it was particularly special to see local combination Jodie Caig and
HESPO become the first combination to tackle the new Intermediate course. They went on to
produce the only cross-country round inside the optimum time and secure victory in the class.
This was a particularly special result for Event Organiser Sarah Clark, who has gone from
teaching Jodie at Pony Club rallies to crowning her the winner of the event’s first ever
Intermediate class- all in the very same field!
On top of an incredible prize selection, competitors were also competing for a host of
additional prizes and awards throughout the weekend. Thanks to Redpost Equestrian, a Best
Turned Out prize was awarded in every section, recognising the highest standards of
presentation and horsemanship. Local young rider Sally Drummond claimed the honour in
BE90 Section K, whilst also claiming the prize for the lowest-scoring Dumfries and
Galloway rider across Sunday’s BE90 sections. Meanwhile, bottles of Ardnahoe Whisky were
presented to the top three finishers in every section, with these awarded to parents or
guardians where riders were under 18 years of age!
Feedback from competitors was overwhelmingly positive. Caroline Basnett, who travelled
from Cheshire and finished fifth in the Intermediate section, said: “South of Scotland is an absolute go-to for Cheshire eventers, easy travelling straight up the M6, absolutely beautiful big bold courses designed by Andrew Heffernan and built by Jump1. The going was absolutely foot perfect in both the showjumping arena and on the cross-country course.”
Delivering an event of this scale requires a huge amount of hard work and meticulous
planning. Tom Clark and his committed team worked tirelessly to present Valleyfield at its
very best. Sarah Clark oversaw countless aspects of the event operation, ensuring that both
horses and people were exceptionally well looked after throughout the weekend. Nina Clark
heads up the event administration, communications, and the overall event experience;
coordinating the many behind-the-scenes elements that help ensure the event runs smoothly for competitors, volunteers and visitors alike. Together with the wider organising committee and volunteer team, their dedication, vision and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the event.
The final special mention, and heartfelt thanks, must go to the sponsors. Their support is the
backbone of this fixture, and without it the Clark family’s vision for the South of Scotland
Horse Trials would never have become a reality. Thanks must also go to the army of
volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm make the event possible.
Together they are helping establish the South of Scotland Horse Trials as one of the most exciting and welcoming fixtures on the British Eventing calendar, and after another hugely successful weekend, the future looks exceptionally bright.
One partner. No competitors. Visible across local sport.
