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Show ups the Money
The Kimpton Horse Show, Sunday 25th July 2010
Residents of Kimpton must now be used to the sight of horse boxes, trailers and horses threading their way down the High Street heading for Hitchin Road and the field that once a year becomes the site for the annual Horse Show. You’ve probably heard the commentary, announcing winners for arcane-sounding classes like “Mountain and Moorland”, and “Best Young Handler”. How many know, though, much about this annual ritual and the benefits it brings to Kimpton? Since 1944 the show has been raising money for the village - originally for the new Memorial Hall, and lately for… well, read on…
The show is an increasingly rare example of a local horse event, and one which couples high class livestock, skilful jumping and boisterous games with a classic village setting. This year’s show was again a success, excellent weather for horses and spectators, an enthusiastic crowd for the gymkhana, some very watchable - sometimes nail-biting - jumping, sleek ponies and burly hunters, and goodwill abounding.
“What a lovely show”, “excellent organisation”, “of course we’ll be coming again” were genuinely heard from the many hundreds of people who came to Kimpton that day - riders, horse owners and those who just liked the atmosphere.
The money made from the show, run entirely by volunteers headed by Wendy Manning and Sallie Wilson, runs every year into the several thousands - and it’s up there with the May Festival and the Autumn Show as the big contributors to local organisations. Over the years the show committee has supported causes as varied as the Scouts and Guides, Neighbourhood Watch, local hospices, the refurbishment of Peters Green Village Hall, and the Youth Club. Regular helpers to the show can nominate causes for donations - the Playgroup run the tombola, for example, and Bob Finch and the Bench Working Party have now got the car parking and gate arrangements off to a tee, and they persuaded the committee to put the Memorial Hall improvement programme at the top of the donations list last year.
It takes three days to set the ground up and those many jumps and rings don’t erect themselves, so the relationship with the lads of Kimpton Rovers has proved mutually very beneficial. We need help in person and also with equipment - this year’s bar and tombola marquee was arranged through Macmillan Cancer Relief, for example.
The village should also thank the many advertisers and show sponsors who help us to defray the ever-rising costs such as the sound system, insurance and toilet hire and allow us to put money back into the village.
It’s the professionalism of the show that keeps the competitors signing up, the interest high and the revenue coming in. But to attract and keep high quality judges and entries needs a lot of organisation ahead of the date and on the day. You don’t have to be horsey to get involved, and a visit to the website www.kimptonhorseshow.co.uk will tell you more about the show and who to approach. If you think your firm would benefit from being seen by about eight hundred people from the area - and you’d like to help the village - see the website too.
The show is always held on the last Sunday in July, so next year’s show will be on Sunday 31st July 2011. We’d like to see you there with your friends and family, helping out if you can, or just enjoying yourself knowing that it is not only a good day out, it is also doing the village good!
The show day Sunday 25th July 2010
The family horse show, common in villages in the past but now rare and hard to find still continues in Kimpton. It was great to see so many local villagers supporting it on the day, and helping too!
The show was again a tremendous day, the weather was kind and upbeat comments abounded from both locals and competitors – many of whom come from the three counties and beyond. The ground was good for the horses and we had an increase in entries both from the gate and competitors. All-comers enjoyed the many classes, bar, stalls, various foods and displays.
There were a range of popular showing classes for all types of horse and pony such as veteran, driving type, youngsters, working hunter and family pony. This competitive atmosphere burnt into the show jumping classes for all ages which generated more than average entries this year. Moments of falls, swerving horses almost loosing their riders and magnificent clear rounds and jump offs delighted the crowds.
Fun for participants, audience and supporters was to be found at the childrens’ gymkhana, fancy dress, personality pony classes and dog race. Attractions included a bar, tombola, numerous trade stands, photographer and home made sweets again - which went down well with the children.
Many appreciations
Once again the committee would like to thank all the sponsors who made this exceptional event possible. There were more than ever this year! Many appreciations go to the judges who also gave of their time and expertise.
Finally, we would like to thank in particular, all the helpers playing a variety of roles such as those on the gate, the tea-makers for the judges, the ring stewards, those who helped to erect the fences and the rings beforehand and all those who helped to clear up afterwards. These helpers contribute of their time and energies to make the show such a success.
Sponsorship
A new way we have thought of 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 perhaps. Local businesses in and around Kimpton may like to consider sponsoring a class, trophy or even one of our new coloured jumps!
Other ways to help
For this one day of the Kimpton Horse Show there is always more to do than those offering to undertake it all. Next year’s show is on Sunday 31st July 2011 so if you feel you could help, for just an hour of your time - we would be most grateful. Whether it be beforehand in the planning stages or on the big day itself to assist on the gate, with parking, in putting up/taking down jumps and marquees, preparing the rings, teas, stewarding or other ‘behind the scenes’ tasks before the day itself.
Next year
You can also contribute to this worthy endeavour by participating in the show on the day as a member of the crowd/audience. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 31st July 2011 with your friends and family. |
