The 2024 Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials has begun, with the Inverness Paving British Eventing Scottish Grassroots Championships concluding yesterday (22 August).Having finished third here in last years BE90 Scottish Grassroot Championships, Ben Fairbrother and Upper Limit came into the BE100 off the back of three wins including the regional qualifying final at Hopetoun at the beginning of this month and the BE90 Badminton Grassroots title in May.The pair knocked an early pole but had enough in the bank to mean it didnt matter as they convincingly took their spot at the top of the podium.Second placed Sharon Christie Thom with Molton Crown finished just ahead of third place Frankie Cromarty and Ickle Wickle.Posting a 31.5 dressage score followed by a double clear, Fifes Joanna Heaton and Pure Imagination took the BE90 Scottish Grassroot Championships. Having earned their ticket to the championships at Hopetoun in early August, Joanna and Pure Imagination have not finished outside the top 10 in any of their 2024 events.Second place went to Pebbles Walker and Tino II with third being claimed by Erin Hewitson and Whaupshill Touche.Thursday also saw the commencement of Blairs six FEI classes with dressage beginning at 8.30am.The overnight leaders are:4*L Piggy March (GBR) with Mrs Alison Swinburn, John and Chloe Perrys Brookfield Future News4*S Tom McEwen (GBR) with Mr Fred and Mrs Penny Barkers MHS Brown Jack3*L Piggy March (GBR) with Mrs Susie Woods Cooley Goodwood2*L Hazel Towers (GBR) with the riders own Torpex1*L Section E Jasmine Grace Black (GBR) with the riders own Blowell Superstition1* L Section F Annie Broad (NZL) with Dr Linda McSwiggans Chieftain of the White LegsImages by Hannah ColeFurther readingPiggy March training: jump out of trot to test rider balance and build trust in your horseConquer the cross-country start box with Emily Kings adviceMaster skinny cross-country fences at home ready for arena eventingThe post Blair action begins with thrilling conclusion to grassroots championships appeared first on Your Horse.