Horse lovers lay claim to one of the Borders top annual festivals.

The Borders Festival of the Horse, unique in the UK, is a celebration of all things equestrian and features a programme of 40 events spread over 12 days in May.

The 2009 event, included in the official Homecoming Scotland tourism initiative, and organisers welcomed almost 10,000 people. Floors Castle Horse Trials, which attracts top riders from all over the UK, guided rides, open days, competitions and demonstrations are all included in the programme now being organised for 2010.

“The festival has grown year on year since its inception in 2001. It was started to help the region bounce back from the devastation caused by the foot and mouth epidemic. We are confident it will be bigger and better than ever in 2009. Our programme includes something for everyone with an interest in horses and caters for all age groups,” said festival organiser Ann Fraser.

And with 350km of horse trails in the Borders, the region is a popular equestrian destination all year round.

To make life easier for visitors to the region there’s even a B&B service for horses and ponies in the Borders. The five-star Horses Welcome initiative successfully established under the guiding hand of the British Horse Society (Borders) now offers 10 quality assured stops.

“We do attract visitors from a wide area in Scotland and England and hope the Horses Welcome scheme will encourage riders and families to bring their horses on holiday,” added Ann.

Ideas for the festival are always welcome and can be sent to British Horse Society development officer for Scotland Helene Mauchlen at H.Mauchlen@bhs.org.uk