Stars and shopping at Sandown
International dressage rider and Horse & Hound columnist Pammy Hutton (pictured) heads the line-up of equestrian celebrities taking part in The Horse and Country Fair at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey this weekend (12-13 April).
Pammy plans to tackle common problems experienced while training and competing in her twice-daily demonstrations using four of her own horses, including her grand prix ride Amanti, in the new outdoor demonstration arena.
Other top riders taking part on Saturday include Matt Ryan, who will be demonstrating how to train your horse to cope with cross-country accuracy fences, such as corners and arrowheads, together with Robert Lemieux.
On Sunday international show jumper James Fisher will be on hand to help riders understand how they can improve their jumping by helping their horse arrive at a fence in an ideal position to jump it cleanly.
Other demonstrations taking place over the two days include Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Western riding with top trainer David Lloyd, and equine behaviour therapy with Cathy Tindall and Dan Franklin.
A great day out
As well as top-class entertainment, the event will host discussion forums in the indoor theatre throughout the weekend, plus first-class shopping with many trade stands boasting the latestproducts unveiled at the BETA trade fair in February.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Twice-daily the parade ring will host a breed parade, including sport horses, Arabs, Paso Finos, natives and miniatures, ensuring this is a perfect day out for all the family.
And if that’s not enough, you could win great prizes in the free prize draw just for being there. First prize is a fantastic day out at the Sandown Park races. The winner will receive a pair of member’s tickets for a racing day during 2003, including a three-course lunch.
Other prizes up for grabs include polar fleece rugs, a Thorowgood saddle, casual riding jackets, half chaps and boots, equine home-study courses, healthcare products and £50 of stable vouchers.
Tickets are available onthe door, cost £8 for adults and £5 for children, which includes entry to the demonstrations as well as the shopping areas.
For more information visit: www.horseandcountryfair.co.uk
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.