Kimpton Horse Show
Next show will be held on the 29th July 2012 |
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The HistoryBirth & Growth |
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Now in its 66th year, the show owes its existence almost entirely to Mr C. H. Harding. He realised, towards the end of World War II with the return of peace, that Kimpton would be in urgent need of a Village Hall as a social centre. |
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He set up and became the first contributor to a fund for this project. A Public Meeting was held, at which it was decided to go ahead with the scheme, after first providing for a tablet in the Church to commemorate the dead of both World Wars. |
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To increase funds, the first Gymkhana, for which Mr. Harding was almost wholly responsible, was held on a modest scale in 1944. After this initial success the show has been held annually at different times of the year including Whit Sunday. It has grown and prospered, eventually settling down to a fixed date on the last Sunday in July. |
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Geoff Harding remembers working on the gate at that first show held on 29th April 1944, during a freezing snow shower, but the British spirit was undaunted. The horses had names like 'Tuppence' 'Betsy' and 'Tinker'. The games, Posting the Letter, Bending, and Musical Chairs, were great fun and the lucky numbered programme cost 6d. The prize was worth £1 to the fortunate winner. |
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The Viscountess Hampden presented the prizes at this, the first social event to take place in the village for some considerable time. It is interesting to picture those baggy jodphured children, parading around the same field as today's competitors and to contrast those uncertain times with today's relative ease. |
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The aims of the Kimpton Horse Show remain those of its founder. To raise funds for causes benefiting the lives of local people. The spirit of the show is to provide fun for all, from the scruffiest little pony to the most smartly turned out show horse! Long may it continue.
Past Winners of The Harding Challenge Cup 1950 Sheila Brunt 1971 Julie Smith 1987 Sophie Thompson 1996 Zoe Barr The Wren Challenge Cup 1952 Patricia Anne Mossman 1977 Emma Cook - 1980 S Vigus 1981 Georgina Mennim- 1982 Sarah Aldridge - 1984 Kim Barnett - 1986 Tanya Robinson - 1987 Sarah Taylor – 1988 Beverley Ward – 1990 Jaqui Kipping - 1995 Vicki Callaghan 1996 Rahel Broom 1997 Zoe Barr 1998 Gill northern 1999 Shona Staunton 2000 Tara Darling 2002 Jessica Buxton 2003 Martin Williams 2004 Katie Worboys 2005 Kiah Powell 2006 Jack Andrews 2007 Gill Kay 2008 Lauren Jarmain 2009 Victoria Mullins 2010 Katie Williams - Jodie
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