9 reasons you need to visit the Vale of Glamorgan Show (and how you can get involved)
Established in 1772, the Vale of Galmorgan Show (10 August) is one you need to put on your horsey calendar. Held in the breathtaking grounds of the medieval Fonmon Castle, here’s why you need to check it out
1. Attracting over 20,000 people each year, it’s easy to understand why this agricultural show is the largest one-day event in the area
2. There is a huge range of horse classes and the good news? All winners will get the opportunity to take part in the grand parade on the afternoon of the show
3. For horsey enthusiasts, classes to whet your appetite include Retraining of Racehorses in-hand and ridden, a range of British Showjumping classes, hunters, cobs, Mountain & Moorland, Welsh horses and ponies, Shetland classes and so many more
4. The show features a parade of the Vale of Glamorgan Foxhounds which will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine
5. Looking for a different type of adrenaline fix? The Stannage International Stunt Team should satisfy that need, showcasing their daredevil expertise with motorbikes, quadbikes and firey explosions
6. Make sure you don’t miss the hugely exciting hunt scurry where fast-paced horses and riders go head-to-head with other hunts over a course of jumps
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7. Shop ‘til you drop! There’s a huge array of tradestands (200 in total), including a food hall, craft fair and horticultural show plus a home produce marquee
Fancy taking part? Here’s the horse classes you need to enter
Ridden hunters
Unaffiliated hunter classes
Retraining of Racehorses
Side saddle
Riding horses and cobs
Working hunter ponies
Mountain & Moorland ponies
Coloured classes
Welsh Mountain ponies
Welsh ponies and cobs
Shetland and miniature Shetland ponies
8. Not just interested in horses? There is also a hugely popular poultry show and a Kennel Club-registered dog show, plus cattle and sheep classes
9. For the dog-mad there is also the wonderful show from the Rockwood Animals display team, who showcase their endless canine talents
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Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.