SCOTLAND’S PREMIER showing show and a popular event with exhibitors from across the border is set to mark a special milestone in its history in 2010.

This year the Scottish Horse Show takes place tomorrow (Saturday, August 14) celebrates its 50th anniversay and is honouring the occasion with a wide range of qualifying classes for the Horse of the Year Show and commemorative rosettes and mementos for exhibitors, competitors and VIP guests.

Organisers have put out a plea for any past committee members or exhibitors from the earliest days of the show to make contact with the chairman or anniversary co-ordinator as a celebratory anniversary luncheon will take place at the year show day, which they hope as many friends of the show as possible will attend.

The show started as the Edinburgh and District Riding Club’s summer event but, under the astute guidance of its then chairman, Neil Shaw, developed into one of Scotland’s premier equine events combining the best in show jumping, showing and driving.

In recent times, it evolved into a Mecca for show enthusiasts, with showjumping classes now taking place at other popular venues purpose built and better suited to the show jumping enthusiasts.

The show now boasts an impressive list of qualifier for the annual Horse of the Year Show. Traditionally taking place in August, the Scottish Horse Show remains one event that is on the calendar of many top showing exhibitors from across the with many exhibitors travelling from England to compete.

Its original home was the Royal Highland Showground, at Ingliston, where it remained for several years until moving to other venues in and around Edinburgh before settling at Border Union Showground, in Kelso.

Speaking about the plans for this year’s event, the show’s chairman, Tweetie Nimmo, said: “We cannot allow this significant date in our show’s history to pass without doing all that we can to make the day a memorable one. Our president, the renowned pony breeder John Milligan of the Roseisle Stud, is hoping that this year’s show will break all records and attract the cream of this country’s showing elite.”

The show’s vice-president, Rose Kelbie added: “To our many supporters, friends, exhibitors, judges and of course stewards, who all give so much to the showing world, we hope to see as many of you as possible at Kelso in August.

n Visit the Scottish Horse Show online at www.scottishhorseshow.com