Next years show will be held on the 26th July 2009

KIMPTON HORSE SHOW 2008 - ANOTHER RECORD PROFIT

This show last year celebrated proceeds of over £4,500 for the SECOND time in the 64 year history of the show. Congratulations to everyone involved.

We therefore decided to offer more awards for local worthy projects this time - as we did last year. We placed the invitation for applicants in this issue of the Parish Magazine and through the posters around the village.

Donations to voluntary and charitable organisations in and around Kimpton village have also been received from us (see list below). We hope you all put the monies to good use. Could recipients let us know where it goes please?...

The show day
This family horse show toasted in 80 degrees of sunshine. It was great to see so many local villagers supporting it on the day, and helping too!

Did you notice our new brightly coloured jumps this year?

The ground was good enough for the horses and we had an increase in entries both from the gate and competitors. The many classes, bar, stalls, various foods and displays were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Ice creams were especially good for cooling down.

The popular showing classes for all types of horse and pony such as veteran, driving type, youngsters, working hunter and family pony were well attended. New classes such as Lead Rein and First Ridden for the younger children got off to a good start.

A highly competitive atmosphere pervaded the huge classes, although good humour always elevated the atmosphere. Moments of excited horses and riders, nervousness and courageous risk taking added to the tension in show jumping classes. Some riders came adrift and whilst others jumped beautifully in style and speed. Many achieved clear rounds in jump offs over tracks which were challenging as well as encouraging in the classes for younger people. The Local, Novice and Open show jumping had exciting performances with breath-taking victories against the clock keeping the crown in suspense with their short-cuts round the track. The Pairs show jumping competition was especially tight with horses beating those nifty little ponies for once! Many competitors came from local pony clubs, some horses and ponies qualifying for regional and national shows. All in all the show appeared to delight and enthral the crowds whatever their ages, horsey or not!

Alison Walsh riding Amber took the coveted Harding Perpetual Challenge Trophy gaining the most points for her prizes throughout the day whilst Lauren Jarmain with Almanoso and Lee Pomfret with Alinda were equal second and awarded the Wren Perpetual Trophy.

The children’s gymkhana, fancy dress, personality pony classes and dog race provided lots of fun for audience and participants alike. My own 8 year old daughter was thrilled to chase first and second place in the egg and spoon, carton race, flag race and bending (round posts not backwards!). The skill of some of these children at such a young age was wonderful to witness. Ponies were amazingly tolerant and ever long-suffering despite the heat and lack of shade.

Attractions included tombola, numerous trade stands, refreshment stalls, photographer and home-made sweets again - which went down well with the children.

Thank  you
The committee would like to say a big thank you to all the sponsors of jumps, classes and those supporting the schedule with advertisements. You helped to make this unique and exceptional event possible. There were more than ever of you this time! Appreciations also to the judges and course builder who gave their time and expertise.

A special thank you to the Bench Working Party for their efforts on the gate again.  Thank you, in particular, to all the helpers on the gate, the tea-makers for the judges, the ring stewards, those who helped to erect the fences, tents and the rings beforehand and all those who helped to clear up afterwards. These helpers contribute of their time and energies freely to make the show such a success.

All those villagers who helped to make up the crowd also contributed to make the show such a grand hit.

Without each one of you it simply would not happen! THANK YOU.

Sponsorship
In order to raise further funds for local community and charitable causes is to invite sponsors for the new trophies for a modest figure.

Some of you may like to sponsor a trophy in memory of a family member or a much- loved horse even. Local businesses in and around Kimpton may like to consider sponsoring a class, trophy or even one of our new coloured jumps!

For information on how to go about sponsoring a class etc please contact the show chair on: 01438  832657.

Other ways to help
On the day of the Kimpton Horse Show there is always more to do than those offering to undertake it all. If you feel you could help, for maybe just an hour of your time - we would be delighted to welcome you to the team.

This year’s show is on Sunday 26 July 2009. Put it in your diary today.

We need help with:

• the planning stages (up to a year beforehand)
• to assist on the gate (on the day)
• with parking (on the day)
• in putting up (the day before) jumps and marquees and/taking down jumps and marquees (on the day)
• in preparing the rings the Thursday and Friday before
• making teas
• stewarding
• other ‘behind the scenes’ tasks.

 Just give us a call on 01438 832269.

Donations
We hope those listed below will again find our donations helpful in their endeavours, particularly as it is a bit more this time…do let us know.

Donations from Kimpton Horse Show to local charities and voluntary organisations for the year 2008

This coming year’s show
You can also contribute to this worthy endeavour by participating in the show on the day as a member of the crowd/audience. Entry still only £1.00, 50p for children. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 26 July 2009 with your friends and family at this really traditional village event for all the community.

You can walk to the show from the Village in minutes, just behind the church – you will have a great day out! For more information and details please visit our website www.kimptonhorseshow.co.uk

The KHS Committee