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.