View the results of the 2012 Kimpton Horse Show

History of the Kimpton Horse Show

Birth & Growth

Now in its 69th 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.

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.

The First Kimpton Horse Show

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.

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.

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.

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.


The Show Day - 2011

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.