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Jan 25, 2025 | 
horseandhound.co.uk | Tom Best |Eleanor Jones
By Tom Best for the NPSOutstanding breeder and producer of native ponies and former National Pony Society (NPS) president William (Bill) Ireland died on 15 January, aged 83, after a long illness.
Bill was brought up in the Colchester area as one of four children. His parents were farmers, who in 1985 diversified by buying the Auchineden Estate north of Glasgow, near Blanefield.
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Nov 18, 2024 | 
thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Tom Best
How times have changed over the seventy-five year period that the Horse of the Year Show has been running. The brainchild of captain Tony Collins, the inaugural show was staged in 1949 at Harringay in London under the leadership of Col Mike Ansell, chairman of the British Show Jumping Association, and Col VDS Williams, chairman of the British Horse Society. There were only four show classes, almost 400 entries and show jumpers hailing from six overseas countries.
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Oct 24, 2024 | 
interior-news.com | Tom Best
We often forget or take for granted those among us who dedicate a large part of their lives to helping us learn new skills or become better people. Some of those skills go far back into the past of our culture and continue into our lives as hobbies and pastimes.
More than 42 years ago, the Bulkley Valley Bowmen began as an archery club and has continued to thrive to this day as a popular activity for a wide range of local individuals. Participants include those of all ages and levels of ability.
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Oct 21, 2024 | 
thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Tom Best
Grandstand Media celebrated 75 years of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in some style this year. A particular highlight was the appearance of the HOYS dray in its characteristic purple livery, put to a magnificent team of six Clydesdales by Ron Brewster and expertly driven by him within the tight Andrews Bowen International Arena.
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Sep 13, 2024 | 
thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Tom Best
After a remarkable run of 35 years at Blair Atholl, the final curtain fell on this year’s Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials last month. The backdrop of the imposing and historic white castle, traditionally the home of the Dukes of Atholl, surrounded by its familiar hills, had become a standard fixture on the equestrian calendar over the years.
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Jul 25, 2024 | 
interior-news.com | Tom Best
It hasn’t been that long since I first heard about the relatively new sport of pickleball. Just a few years. A good friend was a regular participant and I got a bit of information from him but I’ll have to admit that my knowledge of the activity was quite limited.
Like many, I considered it to be some kind of get-together for a few mature types who wanted a little exercise.
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Jul 22, 2024 | 
thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Patsy Hunter |Tom Best
By Tom Best The light horse section delivered in bucket loads for this year’s Royal Highland Show, which drew exhibitors from the length and breadth of Britain to compete and share in its magic. Let’s not forget that the Highland does have a magic of its own for all sorts of reasons, not least of which is the warm Scottish hospitality extended from the stable staff on arrival to the stewards organising the rings on show day.
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Jun 14, 2024 | 
thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Tom Best
Full marks go to the hard work and resilience shown by agricultural show committees witnessed over the past six weeks – their experience, skill and determination has ensured that shows have taken place throughout the country despite the considerable challenges thrown at them by wet weather. Volunteers and often less than well-paid secretaries make up the workforce at the local shows. However, their commitment is admirable to say the least.
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Jun 13, 2024 | 
interior-news.com | Tom Best
Small communities across the country are always trying to find ways to show their uniqueness and special qualities.
For a very long time, Smithers has exhibited virtues that show what a great place it is to live and continually seems to come up with events that extend that distinctiveness.
Over the past 41 years, the Midsummer Music Festival has become a venue for local musicians who want to get a start singing and playing and for well-known artists to perform for enthusiastic crowds.
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May 9, 2024 | 
thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Tom Best
Blair Castle International Horse Trials’ announcement (March 20) that the organisers have called time on the prestigious CC1* and CC4* eventing classes along with the increasingly popular Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival has caused great disappointment across the eventing world and beyond. After 35 years of staging a major event, Atholl Estates have found it necessary to make 2024 its last due a change in management policy in favour of regenerative farming.
