Latest from Horse & Hound in County-shows

‘We must adapt to face new challenges,’ says top showing producer Vicky Smith

Bethan Simons — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:45:45 +0000

Top show horse producer Vicky Smith on travelling horses, bitless bridles and hot competitions

With the county shows in full swing it seems busier than ever. Still, on my team we try to take just one or two horses to the busier shows, making it easier to manage for both us humans and for the horses.

Traditionally, county shows fit around the agricultural calendar, explaining perhaps why so many are crammed into such a small space of time. Any date clashes were irrelevant, as on the whole, they were attended by local people showcasing their produce and livestock.

But in this day and age, as so many hold Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers, having so many crammed into a short period of time – including several into just one week – poses problems.

A quick scroll on social media alone reveals that this super-busy run of fixtures has people and horses on the road up and down the country chasing qualification tickets.

At Lincolnshire Show, I chatted to John Killingbeck, who was the team vet for the British eventing team for 20 years. Before the Atlanta Olympics, he was involved in the research around transporting horses to the Games. It was concluded that broadly speaking, horses used the same energy and strain for every mile travelled as they would if they were walking there.

This is food for thought as we travel our horses.

It’s particularly worrying in the case of young animals presumably chasing in-hand tickets. For me, such youngsters should be shown a handful of times for education, and qualifying is a bonus. They should not be on a lorry week in, week out.

It’s not just a case of it posing an immediate welfare risk. Showing youngsters excessively also runs the risk of having them grow sick of showing before their ridden careers have even begun.

Welfare first

Without doubt, welfare has rightly become a more pressing issue in equestrian sport and as a result, there’s a rise in the use of bitless bridles. I recently saw footage from the UK’s first bridleless competition with both dressage and showjumping classes. The venue – Merrist Wood – was full to capacity with spectators and the event went viral on social media.

Meanwhile next month, Iverk Show in Ireland plan to host their first bitless showing class. With a prize pot of €350 (£300), it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Is there an appetite for such classes in the broader showing circuit?

I believe that the trend for using driving and strong bits is lessening its grip. But with research suggesting that around 27% of horses have mouths that are unsuitable for even a snaffle bit, I have to ask, is it time for showing to hold stricter rules on harsh bitting?

I know it has been mentioned in previous columns, but I feel I have to remind competitors that we hold full responsibility for showing’s social licence. We must be mindful of how our discipline is portrayed to the public at shows themselves and on social media. A readiness to question practice shows a willingness to prioritise welfare.

In a similar vein, is it time for professionals to question their use of gadgets at home and at competition? This is particularly the case when posted on social media, a space young riders use for inspiration and as a learning tool.

On a more positive note, it has been great to see county shows bending over backwards to ensure equine welfare at their venues during very hot recent weather conditions.

There have been extra hydration points and plenty of guidance for those competing on caring for themselves and their exhibits. Well done to them for adapting in the face of new challenges. We must do the same.

● How and where would you introduce bitless competition to the showing circuit? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

A competitor’s guide to the 2026 HOYS showing qualifiers

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘Encouraging welfare conversations and celebrating good horsemanship’ as agricultural show announces bitless showing class

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘This is a worrying time indeed,’ says top show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘This is a worrying time indeed,’ says top show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:32:47 +0000

Top British show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable shares her thoughts on the plight of our county shows and equine flu

While it seems to be business as usual for many of us producers, I feel it’s not the case for others as numbers in some classes seem worryingly low, even at our traditional county shows.

I always feel very torn when it comes to our local county shows. I used to religiously ensure that I took horses to them. But, they fall early in summer and I found if I prioritised these fixtures, I missed a handful of the early Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers at other prestigious county shows and I ran the risk of missing out on early tickets.

As a producer, it’s therefore not a viable choice; I have to consider the wishes of my owners who naturally hope to see their horses at Hickstead and HOYS and must plan my season accordingly.

Also, we run a different risk by not supporting the county shows that are granted qualifiers. HOYS have a strict handle on the numbers entered and an affiliation fee, so if we don’t support them, they will be both out of pocket and without qualifiers.

While I understand the financial justification for centralising the bulk of the HOYS qualifiers, it doesn’t help the more regional county shows such as those we have here in the south-east of the country.

It’s a similar plight affecting shows across the south, the north and into Wales and Scotland, where there are rarely qualifying opportunities.

What this means for regional talent and showing’s future is a discussion for another day, but I fear it can’t be good.

These shows provide a vital shop window for our public to see showing, and perhaps even other country or agricultural pursuits for the first time. Who knows, an inspired member of the public could become a future supporter of our shows in a plethora of ways.

They also provide a cracking – and nostalgic – day out for our teams as well as the public. To wind up losing more of these traditional fixtures would be a great shame.

Shows, safety and survival

This season, our shows have the added complication of the spread of equine flu across the country.

Personally, I think that having shows check passports and vaccination records is a good thing and I’m thoroughly unimpressed with tales of people trying to flout the rules.

Perhaps the classes most at risk of very low numbers from this outbreak are the mare and foal classes.

Understandably, breeders and producers are wary of taking young foals to shows due to the risk of exposure. They will all be old enough to travel according to guidelines, but not old enough to be vaccinated, as initial vaccination isn’t recommended until the foal is four to six months old.

My husband Chris is on the Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain committee so I know they are particularly worried about the safety of hosting these classes at their championship show. What a pity if a society dedicated to breeding is left unable to showcase breeding stock at its flagship event.

At this point, I urge everyone to be careful, to be responsible and to do their part in minimising the spread of disease. The last thing our industry needs is for organisers to feel forced into cancelling shows, similar to what happened during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and more recently, the Covid-19 epidemic.

Many of our fixtures failed to get back off the ground afterwards. Further cancellations could mean unsurvivable financial losses to some more shows, making this a very worrying time indeed.

● What measures would you like to see our shows employ to minimise the risk of flu? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading:

(Image credit: Hamish Mitchell)

Equine flu: what horse owners need to know during the current outbreak in Britain

(Image credit: Hamish Mitchell)

‘He had the X factor’: Boston Black Tie’s breeder tells the story of how the champion came to be

(Image credit: Hamish Mitchell)

‘Good horsemanship is far more than results’: new award recognises those who truly put the horse first

(Image credit: Hamish Mitchell)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘She has a beautiful soul’: Former riding school pony once found tied to a lamp-post is off to HOYS

Bethan Simons — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:29:31 +0000

A mare who was found abandoned and skinny, tied to a lamp-post, and then spent time in a riding school, has picked up her ticket to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

There were tears of joy as Matilda “Tilly” Mason, 11, and Flash Dance (Dolly) were called forwards as winners of the junior coloured HOYS qualifier at the Lincolnshire Show (17-18 June).

“We didn’t realise they were in reverse order!” said Tilly’s mother Katie Mason.

The family bought Dolly for Tilly’s older sister Clara, as a five-year-old, three years ago.

“Her previous owner had found her skinny, tied to a lamp post and then she’d been working in a riding school when we bought her,” said Katie. “We’d previously bought a disastrous first pony so Clara had said she never wanted to ride again. Someone suggested we look at some coloured ponies, and Clara tried about 15 before deciding Dolly was the one for her. She was just bought as a safe hack, and was the clumsiest pony – she’d crash through poles.”

Finding that Dolly had good paces, the family contested some dressage with her, and turned to local showing but with little success.

“We weren’t even placed,” said Katie, “But last year we started to crack it.”

Their luck began to change slowly, and Clara bagged the family’s first Hickstead pass with Dolly this term.

“I’m not horsey,” said Katie, “Clara does Dolly entirely herself so we have been watching YouTube videos on turnout and so on.”

Tilly began riding Flash Dance last year and won the 60-strong equitation class at STARS, so when her own pony sadly suffered a bout of laminitis, Clara offered further opportunities to show Dolly. This was their first attempt at a HOYS junior coloured qualifier.

The girls, who now take weekly lessons with producer Kirsty Pickles, also share Dolly with their father, Richard, who is learning to ride.

“She’s a beautiful pony inside and out so she’ll be at a county show one day, then helping Richard practice his up-downs,” Katie said “She has a truly beautiful soul.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website,subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Top eventer picks up first 1.50m showjumping win with tiny horse who’s a ‘real trier’

Sarah Radford — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:30:46 +0000

Eventer Ben Hobday continued to make inroads into a second discipline, picking up his biggest show jumping win to date with a victory in the 1.50m area trial at Lincolnshire Agricultural Show (18-19 June).

Ben is known for making his mark with unusual horses — partnering the part-Clydesdale “supercob” Mulrys Error to five-star prowess — and this time he beat some very competitive company on the 15hh Lonely Van De Rikse.

“I’m buzzing, I was very happy with the little lad,” said Ben, who bought the nine-year-old gelding when he was two, starting his showjumping career two years ago.

“It was his first 1.50m and he’s only 15hh — he might be even smaller than that, we’ve not put a stick on him — and he’s really quite special. He’s a real trier who gives 100% every time.

“I’ve moved to Lincolnshire, so it’s my local show, so to win here was really nice,” he added.

Ben jumped the sole clear of the first round but the table A9 format meant he could still be beaten, as the top five combinations come forward against the clock.

“It was a bit nerve-racking,” said Ben, whose first round clear earned him final draw in the jump off. “Both Ryan Page (BP Kojax) and George Whitaker (Zirocco Zoom) had gone clear, but had four faults in the first round. Ryan had been quick but George was slower and I thought I just needed a steady clear to win it.

“I had a rub at the first fence — I might have been a bit complacent — so after that I had to put my foot down and I managed to sneak the win.”

Ben crossed the line 0.60sec ahead of Ryan and Kojax, a very consistent combination who are currently heading the BS gold league, proving Lonely Van De Rikse against the clock for the first time at this level.

“I’ve been trying to educate him, so I’ve never ridden him at pace in a big class,” Ben said. “I’d not been in that position before, so I thought I might as well give it a go. We have a lot of fun with him and he’s starting to become a right little winner.”

Ben almost sold the Connect x Back Gammon gelding as a five-year-old and started his career late.

“He was a bit behind as a five-year-old as he was little and scrawny and a bit too careful and I had too many, we thought he’d probably be a junior’s horse,” he said.

“When we took him to his first show, we jumped a 1.10m and he was giving everything 3ft. He’d have the back bar of combinations but we started to find our way with him.

“By March he’d won his first 1.10m and then he won his first 1.30m at the end of May or June and by the August he was jumping 1.40ms.

“Because he’s little, we’ve worked on the best way to train his stride bigger and it’s starting to come together. He could struggle from big oxer to big oxer on a five or six stride distance but I’ve learned a lot from watching John Whitaker ride — he rides the horse, not the course,” Ben added.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘It shows anything’s possible’: meet the blind showing enthusiast who won at Cheshire County Show

Bethan Simons — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:18:51 +0000

Winning at Royal Cheshire County Show will be a memory that blind showing enthusiast Mark Garlock will treasure for ever.

Mark, who lost his sight completely in 1983, three weeks before his 15th birthday, won the Dartmoor mare or gelding class at Royal Cheshire with his 10-year-old Merribridge Astrologer (Comet), with the aid of his friend – and guide – Leanne Hughes, to rapturous applause from spectators.

“I’d always had horses from the age of six until the point I lost my sight,” explained Mark, “but then I had a few years without them because I believed I couldn’t do it.”

This changed when an old friend told Mark she was studying for her British Horse Society exams at Bold Heath Equestrian Centre.

“I just felt so envious of her working with horses, so I gave her a call, went to the centre and have had horses or ponies ever since,” he said.

Finding Comet

The Prince’s Trust financed Mark’s first pony in 1992, and over the years Mark has kept an array of horses and ponies, but had wanted a Dartmoor pony and a friend found Comet’s ad online last year.

Mark explained: “He’s had a difficult life and been through many different homes – I’ve traced all his history. He can’t be ridden as he isn’t safe to be, and some previous owners have tried exceptionally hard with him but he’s always ended up being passed on, up and down the country from Scotland to Sussex.”

Comet is kept on livery five minutes from Mark’s home, but Mark is in charge of his day-to-day care.

Mark said: “I do everything with him. I muck him out, I turn him out in the field, I bath him. A friend might give me a hand to give him a full bath, but I mainly do everything myself.”

Comet was shown four times last time, taking champion each time, but this was their highlight together.

“He was scared of his own shadow when I had him so we thought he might be sharp with the atmosphere at Cheshire but he was brilliant. He was like a rock – amazing,” Mark said. “He’s come such a long way over the last 12 months. He needed consistency, understanding and empathy.”

When it comes to their individual show, Leanne instructs Mark where to stand Comet for the judge before the pair discuss his stance and readiness for judging.

“I’ll ask her if he’s stood correctly and I’ll manoeuvre him until she tells me we’ve got it right. She then guides me through moving for the judge to see him and through the individual show,” explained Mark. “I’ve had a few guides but I’ve known Leanne since she was nine; it was amazing to share this win with her and I was absolutely blown away by the crowd.”

Mark believes that Comet “absolutely” understands that he is blind: “He’s watching me all the time and certainly looks after me in the ring. I’ve had lots of ponies over the years, but I can’t put into words the connection that I have with this pony. He’s very intuitive.”

Mark hopes that his story will inspire others: “It shows anything’s possible. If it’s something you want to achieve and accomplish, I would encourage anybody to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. If something brings you love and joy, then grab it, do it and enjoy it. I will probably will never achieve anything like yesterday again, but what a memory.”

Robert Walker: ‘We must sell our sport by showcasing it at its best’

Robert Walker — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:13:59 +0000

Leading Cheshire-based show producer Robert Walker says it’s essential that showing appeals to a wider audience

This winter has dragged on, especially for the equestrian world. In early March, it appeared that spring had sprung early; everything dried out and we spent a fortune on getting our fields rolled, only for the weather to turn impossibly wet again two weeks later. However, the clocks have now changed and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

As most will know, I won’t have my horse of a lifetime, View Point (Sean), on the team this season as he retired from the ring after taking the supreme horse title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last October. He’s been jumping and having fun while being looked after like a king, but while we were renewing the annual society memberships it really sunk in that he won’t be joining us at shows.

It’s daunting to think of the future when you step down such a prolific horse, but we have some lovely young faces coming through, many who have made their debuts at spring shows.

Entries are currently pretty low across the board in the horse classes, but it’s early in the season and competitors are still busy working away at home after a particularly cold and wet few months.

The main aim at this time of the year is to give the horses mileage and get them used to taking a ride judge. When I’m entering early shows I’m always weighing up which ride judges will give each horse the best experience.

At the North of England spring show (7–8 April) I was delighted my five-year-old got not one, not two, but three rides from different judges in his class. As well as the ride and conformation judges, there were two talented probationary judges in the ring. One probationer rode the horses and on the return of my horse to the line, I asked if the other would like to have a go.

It was an invaluable, educational experience for the young horse, though some of the spectators said watching his laps of the ring was akin to watching a ride at Blackpool pleasure beach!

It’s my priority, and duty, as a producer to set each horse off on the right foot in their career so they need an enjoyable experience from the offset if that’s to happen.

Delayed notifications

We’ve been notified of a few changes at HOYS this year, including the amalgamation of the large and small intermediate show riding type finals.

A show like HOYS relies on visitors to the show, so I’m not against any decisions that are made to cater towards the spectator. I did feel that leaving it so late – until the end of January — to reveal the news was a little unfair on those who may have bought a new ride and were working hard to prepare for qualifiers.

HOYS remains the show we all want to aim for and I’m sure that if things don’t work out the organisers will be swift to make more changes.

A day out for all

It looks as though some of the long-standing county shows who lost their HOYS qualifiers have got them back. This is wonderful to see; the addition of such prestigious classes to a show’s schedule is key for bringing in new sponsors and owners.

While showing is my job, it’s a day out for connections and we have to sell our sport by showcasing it at its best at high-profile events. The more prevalence on the county circuit showing classes have, the better.

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 20 April

You may also be interested in…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

New intermediate championship for those affected by HOYS changes

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Katie Jerram-Hunnable: ‘Get out of the arena, it’s time to embrace open spaces’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

H&H’s guide to show hunter classes: weight categories, presentation and what makes the judges cringe

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Almost 500 showing qualifiers announced for London International Horse Show

Becky Murray — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:59:14 +0000

The London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023 have been announced, with almost 500 qualifying opportunities across 45 agricultural and county shows.

H&H reported that London International Horse Show (LIHS) organisers HPower worked with the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) to create the series, which will feature 20 classes.

Last month HPower said that a “significant” number of show organisers had requested to run LIHS classes, and the full list has now been confirmed, with 494 qualifiers taking place across 45 agricultural and county shows in England, Scotland and Wales.

“We are delighted that so many shows have come forward to apply to be a part of this new series and are particularly pleased with the wide geographical spread of the participating shows. This demonstrates that there is a strong demand from show organisers and therefore the public to see equestrian showing classes in their local events,” said Paul Hooper of ASAO.

BSPS chair Paul Cook added that one of the reasons for launching the series was to bring showing to a wider audience, and increase the number of agricultural and county shows that hold equestrian classes, which have been “sadly diminishing” in the past few years.

“These shows between them have an audience of over half a million which definitely helps us to achieve our aim of finding a route to present equestrian showing to new audiences,” he said.

Westmorland County Show, which is 224 years old this year, is one of the events running qualifiers.

“We are delighted to be holding qualifiers for all the 20 classes on offer. The traditional agricultural shows are where equestrian showing originally started. We know our audience will participate in and enjoy this new range of classes,” said Westmorland County Show chief executive Christine Knipe.

“We are very grateful to LIHS as without the support of such important international horse shows, equestrian showing at a local level could not be sustained.”

The HPower spokesman added that the BSPS and BSHA will help those who qualify for London to prepare for the finals by giving them advice and guidance “every step of the way”.

“We know it can be daunting for a competitor to come to a large show like London and compete in the final but we are determined to make the whole experience enjoyable for them, we will look after them and give them a fantastic day out,” said BSPS secretary Karen Ward.

London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023

BSHA classes

Rising star of small and lightweight hunter type

Rising star of middleweight & heavyweight hunter type

Rising star of lightweight cob type

Rising star of heavyweight cob type

Rising star of maxi cob type

Rising star of small riding horse type

Rising star of large riding horse type

Rising star of hack type

Rising star racehorse to show horse

Rising star ladies show horse

Rising star working show horse

Rising star of working hunter type

BSPS classes

BSPS junior performance pony

BSPS performance pony not exc 148cm

BSPS performance pony not exc 158cm

BSPS performance coloured native/cob/traditional horse/pony class

BSPS performance coloured non native horse/pony class

BSPS heritage lead rein working sports pony

Open cradle stakes

Open nursery stakes

Shows hosting London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023

Alresford Agricultural Show

Ashby de la Zouch Agricultural Society

Blakesley & District Agricultural Show Ltd.

Bridgend Country Show

BSPS Scottish Branch

Burwarton & District Agricultural Society

Cardigan County Agricultural Show

CHAPS UK South East Regional Show

Cumberland Agricultural Society

Dorset County Show

Dumfries and Galloway Horse Show

Dunster Show Society

Durham County Show

Garstang & District agricultural & horticultural society

Gransden and District Agricultural Society Show

Great Eccleston Agricultural Show

Hanbury Countryside Show Society

Heathfield Agricultural Show

Hertfordshire Agricultural Society

Lawford Park Show @The Tendring Hundred FC Show

Liskeard & District Agricultural Association

Llanedi Agricultural Show

Malton Agricultural Society

Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society

Norfolk Show Jumping Club

North Tyne & Redesdale Agricultural Society

Orsett Horticultural & Agricultural Society

Penistone Agricultural Society Show

Perthshire Agricultural Society

Prospect Farm Show

Puddledub Spring Shows

Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show Society

Royal Welsh Agricultural Society – Smallholding & Countryside Festival

Rutland County Show

Ryedale Show

South of England Agricultural Society

Suffolk Show

Stithians Agricultural Association Limited

Stokesley Show

The North Devon Agricultural Society

The Cheshire Horse Show

The South Suffolk Agricultural Association

Tynedale Agricultural Society

UK Ponies & Horses Limited

Westmorland County Show

‘Showing is coming home’: excitement grows over new series with final at London International

Becky Murray — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 20:33:19 +0000

A new series aiming to bring showing to a wider audience has received a “fantastic” response from show organisers – with a significant number requesting to hold qualifiers.

As reported by H&H in November, London International Horse Show (LIHS) organisers have worked with the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) to create the series, which will comprise classes for “everything from hacks and cobs, to cradle stakes and coloured ponies”.

Qualifiers will take place at county and agricultural shows, with a full list of hosts to be released mid-February. The 20 finals will take place at LIHS in December.

An HPower spokesman said that show organisers have responded “extremely positivity”, with a “significant number” requesting to run classes.

“Its emphasis is to be inclusive, with a focus on the amateur home-produced competitor, encouraging them to compete at their local agricultural and county show. Entrants for the classes will not have to be an association/society member to compete in the qualifying classes but will have to join the relevant association/society if they reach the final,” said the spokesman.

“It is expected that this open invitation will encourage many more competitors to ‘have a go’ at their local show. All the BSHA classes are aimed at amateurs, and the BSPS classes are performance classes and not restricted to amateurs. These classes offer an ideal opportunity for ponies and horses competing in other disciplines to gain experience from the excellent educational competitive platform that showing provides.”

BSHA chair Nigel Hollings described the series as an “exciting development for the showing world”.

“I am so pleased that we’ve had such a fantastic response from show organisers,” he said.

“It will be a great experience for finalists to compete at LIHS in December – showing started in the capital with the London International Horse Show at Olympia, holding many classes when it started in 1907, so the circle is now complete with showing coming home.”

BSPS chair Paul Cook added that the new format will make classes more interesting for people to watch.

“Commentators will be encouraged to be much more informative for the watching public, describing what is required of the competitor and what the public should be looking out for,” he said.

Paul Hooper, ASAO secretary and president of the Mid Somerset Show, said showing is an “intrinsic part” of ASAO member shows.

“We look forward to working with LIHS this year to expand this fantastic new series across the UK. We hope all competitors enjoy competing at our member shows throughout the summer and wish them all the very best of luck at reaching the finals of all the equine competitions on offer,” he said.

HOYS acts to reassure shows after concerns raised over rules on London qualifiers

Becky Murray — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 19:33:36 +0000

A rule that prevents certain Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London International Horse Show (LIHS) showing qualifiers being held at the same competition has caused concern for some show organisers.

The HOYS terms state that any show holding British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and British Show Horse Association (BSHA) show series qualifiers for LIHS 2023 will not be permitted to run any HOYS qualifiers at the same show. HOYS said that this “should not impact the individual shows”.

Concerns were raised about the rule and one organiser told H&H it is forcing shows to choose between HOYS and LIHS on which qualifiers they hold.

“Shows are struggling enough to make money in the current situation, and with the cost of living and fuel prices, competitors are struggling to compete,” he said. “It appears that the shows are caught in the middle of a dispute between HOYS and some governing bodies. The people paying the price for that are the shows and the competitors.

“No one wants to stick their head above the parapet, because no one wants to lose their qualifiers, but there’s a lot of unrest. The only solution I can see is for shows that are affected to ask HOYS for a dispensation. But as it stands, we’ll have to choose between hosting HOYS or LIHS qualifiers.”

Nick Brooks-Ward, development director of LIHS organiser HPower, said the rule means “many organisations are faced with a choice”.

“We have developed these new classes to open up another route into showing that is educational and informative. At all stages in the development of these classes, we have endeavoured to offer something new for competitors and for ASAO [Association of Show and Agricultural Organisation] member shows,” he said.

A spokesman for HOYS organiser Grandstand Media told H&H that following the announcement of the new LIHS showing series, HOYS is waiting to see the full rule-base the series will run.

“As a result of this, HOYS has allocated this year’s qualifiers with an addition to the wording for qualifier shows to safeguard the distinction of the HOYS classes, in a similar manner to how this has previously been phrased for Royal International Horse Show and LIHS qualifiers. This was done with no knowledge of where and when the qualifiers for this new series will be held in 2023,” he said.

“From conversations with the relevant parties, we understand that the intention is for the LIHS showing series to be allocated to local agricultural shows, and therefore not those with existing HOYS qualifiers. It is for this reason that the extension of the HOYS wording should not impact the individual shows.”

The spokesman added that Grandstand has been contacted by three shows that have been allocated a non-ridden HOYS qualifier, and on this basis HOYS has “agreed” to review.

“It is evident that the showing industry is working hard to provide new opportunities for amateurs, and as organisers we remain committed to supporting competitors across the board,” she said. “We continue to welcome feedback as we work with the shows and societies for the benefit of showing and for the future of HOYS.”

BSPS chair Paul Cook told H&H the BSPS was approached by the ASOA and asked whether it could support a series of qualifiers for the LIHS.

“There have been a significant number of county and agricultural shows that have had challenges around attracting enough entries, if they don’t have qualifying opportunities – and particularly HOYS qualifiers – so we agreed to the series. We already work particularly closely with LIHS with our M&M [mountain and moorland] final,” he said.

“The idea was that the new qualifiers go to county and agricultural shows that don’t have a full range of HOYS qualifiers. Where the anomaly has come is there are some shows that just have one HOYS qualifier, and therefore they have read the HOYS rule as it prohibits them from having any LIHS qualifiers. Where there are these anomalies, I think HOYS will work with the show to iron that out.”

BSHA general manager Lucy Savill, and chair Nigel Hollings, told H&H the organisation is “committed” to supporting county shows that have experienced diminished entries in recent years.

“The aim of the rising star series is to welcome newcomers into showing, support our existing members and provide an attainable route to not only a new and exciting final hosted by LIHS, but to all levels of affiliated showing, a concept shared with Grandstand Media as part of our planning process,” they said.

“We have been inundated with calls and emails from shows wishing to take part and hope that we can all work together to keep showing fun and educational.”

William Funnell: ‘Let’s get county shows back on their feet’ H&H Plus

William Funnell — Wed, 19 May 2021 11:00:24 +0000

William Funnell proposes one-day internationals to reignite top-level sport

AS professionals, we’re up against a big problem right now because of Brexit, so much so that if I was younger I’d be thinking about buying a base in mainland Europe. Essentially we’re jumping through many more hoops just to do our job.

But it got me thinking, what could be done to give riders a reason to stay on home soil to avoid the extra hassle and expense of a circuit which is becoming increasingly pay to play? What do we have that the rest of Europe doesn’t? The answer is our county shows, many of which are on their knees.

We find it difficult to support county shows nowadays because if you’re not competing for ranking points, you can’t get into international shows – at the moment you’re lucky even to get a spot at a two-star show, let alone three-star and above, as they let you in according to your ranking.

Without a high enough ranking you’re simply a non-entity, so entries at county shows have dropped and the standard has died.

But the county show circuit is the best education for a young horse – at the time I was producing Billy Angelo, you could take a year to do all the county shows with a horse and still get into Olympia. They are also a fantastic shop window for our sport with a captive audience on-site.

SHOWCASING OUR SPORT

I’VE watched my wife Pippa going to one-day international events where they trot-up before the dressage and pack the event into a day. The showjumping equivalent is already popular in America and with the same principles, you could easily run one-day international jumping at our county shows.

Without the need for FEI stabling, there would be limited extra expense and the big grands prix at Great Yorkshire and Royal Highland already offer enough prize money to be a ranking class.

We could have 10 to 15 over the summer at the likes of Norfolk, South of England and Kent County and I’m sure they’d prove popular – would you rather queue up for hours at Calais or compete on your doorstep? Covid has brought home quality of life so I think county shows will become huge again because people want to experience more.

You can’t put a price on bringing showjumping to people outside our sport, which simply doesn’t happen anymore. Live-streaming is great for fans, but nobody outside the sport sees it.

Offering something unique on the British circuit would also help solve the current problem of why any riders would want to come and train with us in the UK when international shows are so limited.

I’m sure these people would love the county shows – wouldn’t it be a novelty to jump in front of a crowd again?

Somebody needs to take the suggestion to the FEI, and British Showjumping should be proactive about taking the idea to organisers, saying, ‘Right, we’ll bring all the top riders to your rings’ – it would go a long way to looking after the top of the sport a bit better. There’s no better time to help county shows get back on their feet.

If British Eventing can do it, why can’t we?

HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING

IT’S been nice to be back competing at international shows with a couple of Nations Cups in the calendar next month. The Olympic team has to be picked before the end of June so we need to hit the ground running and find form quickly – these are an important couple of months.

You can also read this exclusive column in the 20 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

Coronavirus: ‘difficult’ decisions taken by 2021 county shows

Becky Murray — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:19:59 +0000

Three more county shows have announced they will not run in 2021, and another will not host equestrian showing classes, owing to the pandemic.

Ayr County Show (8 May), Fife County Show (22 May) and Northumberland County Show (31 May) have cancelled, while the South of England (11-13 June) will go ahead with livestock classes and showjumping only. The shows usually host a number of affiliated showing classes, including Royal International Horse Show qualifiers.

In September last year it was announced that neither the 2021 Royal County of Berkshire Show nor the Suffolk Show would go ahead.

On 13 January the Tynesdale Agricultural Society, which organises the Northumberland County Show, said that after “months of deliberation” this year’s show would not go ahead.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we have taken this difficult decision, but with another lockdown in place and no sign of restrictions easing, we felt we could not take the risk to public health and the safety of our volunteers and staff,” said the show’s chairman Robert Raine.

In a statement on 19 January, the Ayrshire Agricultural Association said the show had been “reluctantly postponed” until 14 May 2022.

“The volunteer directors/committee responsible for putting on the Ayr County Show has met on several occasions to consider whether or not it would be possible to safely, and with confidence, put on a 2021 show. The conclusion reached, with so much uncertainty over the foreseeable future, reinforced by the introduction of new lockdown measures, it seems certain that restrictions for events will persist over the coming months,” read the statement.

“Putting on the show we all wish for, set against the risks of it being allowed to happen in the way we would intend, led to the decision to cancel the 2021 event with immediate effect.”

The organisers of the Fife Show said in a statement yesterday (20 January) that it was with “considerable regret” the show was off.

“We appreciate that having to cancel the show for a second year is deeply disappointing, and other options were considered, such as running some of the livestock/horse/showjumping sections individually as these could come under slightly different “sport” guidance, but ultimately the committee’s overriding aim was to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of exhibitors, competitors, staff, volunteers and visitors,” read the statement.

“It was felt that trying to organise any event where there would be a mass gathering of people from different households in May, would not be the best way forward, even with the vaccine rollout.”

A spokesman for the South of England Agricultural Society, which organises the South of England Show, told H&H that after “careful consideration and debate” it was with a “heavy heart” the decision was taken by the South of England Agricultural Society’s board of trustees not to hold equestrian showing classes owing to the uncertainty over Covid restrictions.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

County shows’ future at risk amid Covid-19 challenge H&H Plus

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Two 2021 county shows cancelled already as Covid-19 pandemic continues

“If the society succeeds in our strategy to survive and thrive, we hope there will be shows in the future”

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“The 2021 show is still going ahead across three days, running for the first time from Friday to Sunday [instead of Thursday to Saturday],” said the spokesman.

“Showjumping will run across the three days as will livestock competition, although with reduced classes again due to Covid restrictions – more details on these will be released in due course. Visitors will still be able to enjoy a non-stop programme of displays and entertainment with rural crafts, and an abundance of food, drink and shopping opportunities.”

The spokesman added the decision to cancel showing classes had “not been taken lightly” and it is the intention of the society to return to the usual format for 2022.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

County shows’ future at risk amid Covid-19 challenge H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 10:05:08 +0000

With two county shows already cancelled for 2021, work is ongoing to protect the circuit’s vital role in horse sport, hunting, rare breeds and the countryside. H&H finds out more...

MORE help is needed to protect county shows and the vital role they play in the countryside and equestrian sporting circuit if they are to have a future.

The events industry has been badly hit by the pandemic, with Government support going little or no way to making up for months of lost income for many of the sole traders and independent businesses that make up the industry that contributes around £41bn to the UK economy.

The 2020 season was decimated by the pandemic and two major shows have already pulled the plug for next year.

With the county and agricultural show circuit at the heart of many rural businesses, both directly for those involved in their staging and tradestands and indirectly with the money spent in the surrounding areas, the impact of cancellations is widespread.

The circuit also plays a major role in equestrian sport and in bringing horses, hunting, the working of the countryside and rare breeds to a wider audience.

The Suffolk Show, which recorded 90,000 visitors over two days last year, will miss 2021 owing to the uncertainty from the pandemic. It instead plans to host a series of smaller, focused events such as equine and livestock shows, before returning in 2022.

In a letter to members, the Newbury & District Agricultural Society (NDAS), which runs the Royal County of Berkshire Show, said its finances were “not in good shape before the pandemic made things much worse” and will not run a show next year.

British Showjumping chief executive Iain Graham told H&H county shows are “pivotal” for showjumping.

“They are not only a great introduction to larger show environments for horses as part of their production programme, but also one of the few opportunities they have to jump in large grass arenas before stepping up to international level,” he said.

“The aptly named international stairway takes place at many of the largest county shows in the country and a number of our top international horses have come through that pathway structure.

“From a performance perspective aside, we are also in the fortunate position of being the only Olympic sport to have a presence at them and for us to be able to showcase our sport to the vast audiences is a major attraction for us and one we hope will continue far into the future.”

Rare Breeds Survival Trust chief executive Christopher Price told H&H county shows are a good opportunity to show what is “so special about our native breeds of livestock and equines to thousands and thousands of people every year”.

Some organisers have turned to other ideas, such as virtual shows and alternative events at the showgrounds, but support is needed across the events industry to protect its future.

“From showcasing the finest livestock to providing an opportunity to support and promote local and rural businesses, county shows supply a vital source of social interaction between town and country while also educating those from all walks of life about living in the countryside,” Polly Portwin, head of hunting at the Countryside Alliance, told H&H.

“Crucially, they offer hunts a way to engage with local people who may have a limited knowledge of trail-hunting activities, demonstrating the high level of horse and hound welfare maintained by the professional hunt staff.”

Paul Hooper, of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations, told H&H the organisation is working with the Government and its stakeholders to protect shows for the future and explained the very real struggle the industry is facing in accessing support.

“We are working constantly with our membership to assist them to apply for grants, but many members are ineligible due to the criteria put forward by the Government,” he said, giving the example of many members not qualifying for business rates relief.

“We are in constant contact with our members and other allied organisations to ensure the heritage, education, economy, community and charitable support that shows create throughout the year will be able to carry on into 2021.”

H&H, 22 October 2020

#TBT Rewind to when 7 showjumping legends were starting out on the county circuit

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:24:28 +0000

From David Broome to Scott Brash, nearly all of Great Britain’s leading showjumpers will have cut their teeth on the county circuit at some point in their careers. Here, we take a trip down memory lane to a time when the stars of the sport were household names, cigarette companies sponsored all things equestrian and riders only had to drive down the road to compete for some of the richest prize money in the world…

1. A 24-year-old Michael Whitaker riding Amanda, on his way to winning a Crosse & Blackwell-sponsored class at the Royal Show in 1984, when the event was used as a GB team selection trial

M WHITAKER AND AMANDA AT THE ROYAL SHOW JULY 1984 - CROSSE AND BLACKWELL WINNER (Image credit: STUART NEWSHAM)

2. A legion of fans followed the great Graham Fletcher and he draws in immense crowds at the Great Yorkshire Show in 1981 when competing on Buttevant Boy

Graham Fletcher riding Buttevant BoyGreat Yorkshire Show,1981 (Image credit: Kit Houghton)

3. The much-loved combination of Marion Mould and Stroller competing at the Royal Show in 1971

THE ROYAL SHOW - MARION MOULD ON STROLLER 1971 (Image credit: NO CREDIT)

4. Rowland Fernyhough and Bouncer riding in the Benson & Hedges Championships at Cardiff Castle in 1976, billed as the ‘world’s richest horse show’

1976 Rowland Fernyhough and Bouncer, with Cardiff CASTLE in the Backgrund at cardxiff benson and hedges champs (Image credit: no credit)

5. A 19-year-old John Whitaker and Ryan’s Son winning the Midland Bank Cock O’ the North Championship at Great Yorkshire Show in 1975

GREAT YORKSHIRERYANS SON MIDLAND BANK COCK OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP 1975 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Continued below…

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

The amazing moment 14.2hh Stroller won the Hickstead Derby

6. Nick Skelton, at the age of 20, riding Everest Louisiana at the South Of England County Show in 1978

NICK SKELTON EVEREST LOUISIANASOUTH OF ENGLAND COUNTY SHOW1978 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

7. David Broome riding Bess at the Bath And West Show in 1976 where they were the winners of the Berni Inn Stakes

BATH AND WEST SHOW 1976DAVIS BROOME RIDING BESS WINNETS OF THE BERNI INN STAKES (Image credit: ODHAMS)

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

27 stunning show ring moments H&H captured during the 2019 show season

Alex Robinson — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:24:44 +0000

The wild, stormy weather of late makes the summer show season feel like a lifetime away. So H&H is throwing it back to sunnier times when the horses were hairless and shiny and our showfields weren’t underwater.

Here are 27 beautiful moments H&H’s epic photographers captured from shows up and down the country in 2019…

Lincs. Show 19.06.19Cob ChampionNo.344 Copenhagen (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Leading show man Simon Reynolds enjoys his lap of honour on the striking and beautifully balanced grey cob Copenhagen after taking the championship spoils at Lincolnshire county show.

Horse No 215, Malus LVP Z (215/Parker) cuddy qualifier winner of The Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship during The National Hunter Supreme Championship held at the Addington Equestrian Centre near Buckingham in Buckinghamshire in the UK between 1st-3rd July 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The Wood family’s yearling colt Malus LVP Z is intrigued by the trophy he was awarded at the National Hunter championships, where he picked up his first Cuddy in-hand ticket.

Harrison Civil Engineering Ridden Overall Supreme Championship2nd Reserve Champion181Billy King Of The NorthRider: Megan Hewitt (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

Megan Hewitt salutes and smiles to the judges after a cracking show on multi-garlanded traditional pony Billy King Of The North.

B.S.P.S. Champs 24.08.19International Supreme of The bShowChamp. No. 524 Noble King's SpeechSee TJ story (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The intermediate show hunter Noble Kings Speech is on the aids of Charlotte Elliott-Grooby as the pair go for the gallop en-route to the intermediate champions of champions title at the BSPS summer championships.

Brightwells Welsh B in-hand champion – Moelview Moonstruck (Image credit: EquinePix Photography)

Brightwells Welsh section B in-hand champion Moelview Moonstruck displays elegance and quality as he poses beneath the backdrop of the Malvern Hills at Three Counties Showground.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Spectators arrive in their masses to watch the parade of champions at the annual Dublin Horse Show. Pictured is the Irish Draught champion, Marian Ryan and Kieran Smith’s Stormy Diamond Lady, ridden by Sean Tipperary.

MINI SUPREME CHAMPIONSHIP RESERVE743RAVARA MR TODD R : Milly Gilbert (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

Prolific mini pony Ravara Mr Todd looks after his jockey Milly Gilbert.

WHP CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPION 534 BARHILL DANNY R: Gail Whetter (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

Flying Exmoor stallion Barhill Danny puts a smile on Gail Whetter’s face as he jumps clear, bags a HOYS ticket and the section championship at NPS Area 4.

Harrison Civil Engineering Ridden Overall Supreme Championship333LANGALLER TARAKRider: Kieran Baslington (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

Langaller Tarak (Kieran Baslington) appears to be enjoying every minute of his supreme performance at the CHAPS championships.

LARGE BREEDS CHAMPIONSHIP RESERVE25 SOUTHERTON JASPERR: Jessica Talbot (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

Who said ‘hairies’ can’t gallop? Southerton Jasper shows off his paces at Derbyshire Festival, where he picked up his first ticket to HOYS with his producer Jessica Talbot at the helm.

Enlister Islay Spruce owned by Mrs Julie Barton winner of the Cuddy Supreme In Hand Championship during the Royal Norfolk Show held at the Norfolk Showground near Norwich in Norfolk in the UK between 26-27th June 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Ross Keys plants a kiss on the 2019 Royal Norfolk show Cuddy in-hand qualifier Ellister Islay Spruce, who is owned by Julie Barton.

SPRINGPOND ON THE RAZZLE exhibited by Sofia Scott and owned by Louenna Hood winner of the Skewbald & Piebald Horse Indian Trail Ridden Championship during The Longines Royal International Horse Show held at The All England Jumping Course in Hickstead near Burgess Hill in West Sussex in the UK between 23-28th July 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The connections of the RIHS supreme coloured Springpond On The Razzle embrace the horse and his rider Sofia Scott after their victory.

UNDER ATTACK Champion In-Hand and Overall Hunter ChampionThe Royal Highland Show 2019Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723 (Image credit: GROSSICK PHOTOGRAPHY)

Star of the future and Royal Highland show supreme hunter winner Under Attack works the camera as he appears to have spotted something interesting in the distance.

SPRING WATER ANNA exhibited by ?? and owned by Mr & Mrs P D Tyler winner of the Cuddy Supreme Championship during Great Yorkshire Show held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate in North Yorkshire in the UK between 9 -11th July 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The Tyler family’s gorgeous Dartmoor mare Springwater Anna tops one of the strongest Cuddy qualifiers of the year at the Great Yorkshire show.

Three Counties Show 01.06.19Cuddy Supreme In- Hand Champs.Res. Champion No. 541 Swan Lake (Image credit: trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk)

Jerome Harforth’s part-bred Arab Swan Lake — undoubtably one to watch — floats along at Midland Counties, where she took reserve in the Cuddy qualifier.

NOVICE M&M CHAMPIONSHIPChampion 1435THISTLEDOWN EL TORO R: Talia Aristidou (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

Talia Aristidou awaits the novice M&M championship results at Cheshire County Show with Thistledown El Toro, before being called out as winners.

View Point, owned by Jill Day and exhibited by Mr Robert Walker, winners of the Hunter Championship during the Royal Windsor Horse Show held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire in the UK between on 8th-12th May 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Robert Walker lets Jill Day’s legendary lightweight View Point go in front of the Royal box at Windsor before lifting the hunter accolade.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Allister Hood looks proudly at Caroline Tyrell’s Carlsberg cob Our Cashel Blue, who clinched the supreme horse title at the RIHS.

MS CHLOE LEMIEUX riding COCO BONGO, winner of the RUCKLEIGH SCHOOL SUPREME PONY OF THE YEAR during the Horse of The Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham in the UK between the 2nd - 6th October 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Chloe Lemieux punches the air on her lap of honour after taking the supreme pony of the year sash at HOYS with Coco Bongo — the first working hunter pony to claim the title.

409 Jordan Cook and ROYAL ILLUSION - BHSA National Championship Show 2019, Friday 13 September 2019© Nico Morgan Media (Image credit: Nico Morgan Media)

Riding horse contender Royal Illusion and Jordan Cook never miss a beat as they trot off with a host of title — including a supreme — at the BSHA National championship.

B.S.P.S. Champs 24.08.19Colosso Supreme SHP of The Year Champs.Champ. No. 1155 Barfield Jackpot (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mia Donaldson can’t believe it as she and 133cm Barfield Jackpot are called out as the supreme show hunter pony of the year at the BSPS summer championships.

ROB Working Hunter Pony Champion during the Suffolk Show held in Trinity Park near Ipswich in Suffolk in the UK between 29-30th May 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Working hunter campaigner Rob (Harry Gaunt) looks in the game at Suffolk Show, where he scooped his section title.

BSPS Winter Champs. 21.04.19Winter Novice Heritage W.H.P.Champs.Champ. No. 330 Gems Hobo (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Verity Murray and Gems Hobo celebrate taking the novice Heritage M&M working hunter honours at the BSPS winter championships with a storming gallop.

392 Emily Proud and RANDALSTOWN TOP NOTCH - BHSA National Championship Show 2019, Saturday 14 September 2019© Nico Morgan Media (Image credit: Nico Morgan Media)

Despite all they’ve won together Emily Proud is still over the moon to win at the National championships aboard the Phillips’ ultra-consistent cob Randalstown Top Notch.

BSPS Winter Champs. 21.04.19Course builder David Cole (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Course builder David Cole is papped making fun and challenging tracks for the competitors at the BSPS winter championships held at Arena UK.

Cotebrook Ben Alder (137) - gelding champion (Image credit: www.realtimeimaging.co.uk)

Big-winning gelding Cotebrook Ben Alder is shown off in all his glory at the National Shire Show

GAMLINGAY LOVE IN A MIST Donkey ChampionThe Royal Highland Show 2019Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723 (Image credit: GROSSICK PHOTOGRAPHY)

Gamlingay Love In A Mist (Elma Cunningham) is crowned donkey champion at the Royal Highland Show, winning one of the famous blue Royal Bank of Scotland sashes.

SSADL IN-HAND CHAMPIONSHIP RESERVE 124 TINA H: Alicia Houlihan (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

Alicia Houlihan is in perfect step with her own Tina, who catches the eye in the SSADL championship at Hambleton.

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

The great British show — 5 county fixtures you don’t want to miss this year

Alex Robinson — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 11:25:17 +0000

Championships are a big part of the summer season, but if you fancy heading to a show without your four legged friend for a day as a spectator, these five enchanting county shows are certainly worth adding to the calender.

Where will you be heading this summer?

1. The one for… a real good party

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

THE ROYAL WELSH

WHERE? Builth Wells Showground

WHEN? 23 — 26 July

WHAT TO WATCH? In-hand Welsh Cob senior stallion class which will be held on Wednesday 25 July at 2.15pm in the main ring. This is certainly one the main spectacles of the show, where you can witness the crème de la crème of breeding stallions perform.

WHERE TO SHOP? Brollies And Gems. Pick up an exclusive-design handbag (made of luxury Welsh tapestry and English tweed) which have been inspired by the beauty of the Abergavenny countryside and Welsh heritage.

USP: the Royal Welsh is one of the biggest agricultural shows in Europe, and is renowned for showcasing some of the best Welsh ponies of the moment. As well as some quality stock, the show is also a time for breeders, competitors and spectators alike to come together in a host of post-show celebrations.

2. The one for… all the family

ROYAL LANCASHIRE

WHERE? Salesbury Hall, Ribchester

WHEN? 20 — 22 July

WHAT TO WATCH? The show jumping classes see some top competition come through the rings, culminating in the Senator Group Grand-Prix on Sunday (12pm, Salesbury arena) which is offering over £4,500 worth of prize money.

WHERE TO SHOP? Stay tuned to the show’s website for announcements on tradestands.

USP: there is something for the whole gang — 2018 will feature a ladies marquee and a ladies day held on Friday 20 June and for the first time the show will incorporate a children’s village with various activities.

3. The one for… top class competition

HOLTNESS D DAY Riding Horse Champion at Great Yorkshire Show 2016 Photograph by John Grossick 0771 046 1723 (Image credit: GROSSICK RACING 07710461723)

GREAT YORKSHIRE

WHERE? Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

WHEN? 10 — 12 July

WHAT TO WATCH? The novice hunters, held on Tuesday 10 July in the main ring. The first class (lightweights) starts at 7.30am with middles and heavyweight weights following on. Sure to provide us with some stars of the future to keep on the radar.

WHERE TO SHOP? Boe Gin. A Scottish gin which scooped a silver medal at the World Gin Awards, and has now been joined by Boe Violet Gin, Boe Peach & Hibiscus Gin Liquer and Boe Scottish Bramble Gin Liqueur. Yum.

USP: The Yorkshire is arguably the ‘county to win’ for a lot of the horse world, and as well as showcasing the best of equestrian talent, the event is also heralded as one of the best for other agricultural competitors. Make sure you check out the livestock lines to see some of the county’s best pig, sheep, cattle and poultry exhibits.

4. The best for… the traditional feel

DORSET COUNTY

WHERE? The Dorchester Showground

WHEN? 1 — 2 September

WHAT TO WATCH? There is an overall supreme championship on both days of the show, offering £250 to each winner. Pony classes take place on Saturday and Horses while horse classes and driving are held on Sunday. The scurry racing takes part on both days and is surely one not to miss.

WHERE TO SHOP? Alice Wood Design. Sheepskins farmed from Poll Dorset sheep which are raised near Sherborne in Dorset. They claim to provide sustainable, unrivalled quality in their extra large sheepskins.

USP: The first exhibition was held in 1840 and this has now developed in to the two day Dorset County Show. The show is continually developing new attractions such as the Heavy Horse Village and the Dorset Artisan Craft Marquee.

5. The best for… doing it all in a day

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

WESTMORLAND COUNTY

WHERE? Westmorland Show Ground, Cumbria

WHEN? 13 September

WHAT TO WATCH? The array of heavy horse classes, which take place in the main ring are a real spectacle. With classes for both Shires and other heavy breeds, there is also a ridden class.

WHERE TO SHOP? Make sure you check out the craft tent, which showcases a whole host of wonderful bits and pieces made in the local area.

USP: Last year was the first time the show had run the horses classes in their own ‘equine village’ held on the opposite side to the main show. The supreme championships culminates at the end of the day and a traditional prize giving remains.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

BBC to broadcast live from Great Yorkshire Show

Lucy Elder — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 06:25:50 +0000

The One Show is to be broadcast live from the Great Yorkshire Show this year.

BBC’s popular evening hour-long weekday programme will be broadcast from the show on 15 July.

It will be the first time that the entire programme has been broadcast live from an agricultural event.

Equestrian highlights at the event includes top showjumping action – such as the Cock O’The North Championship – showing and a Shetland pony Grand National.

Presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones will be looking behind the scenes and trying their hands at traditional rural skills at the event, which is in its 157th year.

Bill Cowling, director of the Great Yorkshire Show, said: “The One Show has a hugely successful formula of combining the fun and quirky with information and insight, which is a similar ethos to our own.

“On the one hand we showcase the best of British farming and on the other it’s a fun day out for all the family so there is much synergy between us.

“I’m sure our visitors will relish seeing what lies behind creating a successful TV programme as well as meeting Matt, Alex and the team as they experience the Great Yorkshire Show for themselves.”

The programme’s set will be recreated at the centre of the event on the President’s Lawn, overlooking the main ring.

Series editor Gareth Collett said that the programme likes to reflect what people are talking about and doing across the country.

He said the Great Yorkshire Show has always been an important part of the year not only for the people of Yorkshire, but for the farming community as well.

“So it makes perfect sense for us to seize this opportunity to make our first visit to such a historic and still very relevant event,” he added.

“I also hear the pies are good.”

Around 130,000 people attend the event each year and this year’s show runs from 14-16 July.

Visit www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk for full information and tickets.

Major driving championship cancelled

Sarah Radford — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 06:25:16 +0000

One of the private driving calendar’s three major end-of-season championships has been cancelled this year following the closure of its host venue.

Organisers of the Victoria Foods Carriage Driving Extravaganza have been searching for new premises to host the show since The Hand EC in Clevedon ceased trading in December last year.

Show director Dave Hunter-Thomson said a fruitless six-month search had left them with no choice but to cancel the 2015 event.

“We looked at more than 40 showgrounds to try and find something along the same lines as The Hand that was available on those dates, as we have just the one window in September that doesn’t clash with other shows,” said Mr Hunter-Thomson. “It’s a big show that requires quite a lot of space.

“While we weren’t able to find anything for this year, the show will return on the 9-11 September 2016.”

Confirmation of next year’s venue, which will be in Somerset, is expected within the next month.

Two Victoria Foods titles will still be handed out in 2015, after the Royal County of Berkshire Show agreed to host the exercise and pleasure driving and private driving championships.

The classes will take place on Saturday, 19 September, the day before the show’s own private driving programme.

Anyone who has qualified for these championships between 14 September 2014 and 6 September 2015 will be eligible to enter.

“We hope that people who come to do the championship will stay on overnight and enter the classes at Newbury on the Sunday,” said Mr Hunter-Thomson.

“All driving competitors will have free access to the showground.”

Last year’s private driving champ Jessie Dudley-Apicella said: “It’s a really fun show and one we always look forward to.

“I’m probationary judging at Newbury so as long as there’s no clash I’ll be there to defend the title. It’s nice that the Royal County of Berkshire Show have accommodated it.

“I hope missing a year doesn’t kill the show and they have to build it back up again. Competitors need to make sure they get behind it next year. We’ll always be there to support it as long as we can.”

County show to host an array of heavy horse classes

Caroline Bankes — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 11:55:40 +0000

Fans of heavy horses will be heading to Nottinghamshire this spring, as the county’s show is the only one in the country to hold classes for all breeds of heavy horse.

At this year’s Nottinghamshire County Show (9-10 May) there will be separate in-hand classes for Clydesdale horses, Suffolk Punch, Shire horses and Percherons — and all breeds will compete together in the turnout classes.

The show also is hosting a qualifier event for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) shire of the year in 2015 after a break last year.

Entries are expected from all over the country for the qualifier — which was last held at the show in 2013.

Liz Lambert has attended the show for more than 40 years and is now the chief steward of the heavy horse classes.

She feels it is important to keep heavy horses a regular feature of county shows.

“It is important to maintain the future of the heavy horse classes and keep that aspect of county shows alive,” said Mrs Lambert.

“The Suffolk in particular is an endangered breed and there are very limited numbers or opportunities for them to be showed to the public and compete.”

Heavy horse breeders travel from Scotland, Kent, Hampshire and Wales who want to take part.

Jayne Olney, showground manager said: “This is an exciting year for the equestrian world as we host the shire horse of the year qualifier.

“We want the show to be perceived as having those traditional classes but also moving with the times and sharing the Nottinghamshire Country show’s history with a modern audience.”

The 132nd show is open from 8am-6pm on both Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May. Tickets are £15 on the gate, £10 online or over the phone.

For more information visit www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com

The largest gathering of shire horses in Britain can be seen at the Shire Horse Society show at Arena UK in Lincolnshire on 21-22 March.

More than 250 shire horses from across Europe are expected, as well as spectators from around the globe.

“It is the chance to celebrate a breed that was once in danger of dying out but is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, both as a working animal and a riding horse,” said Shire Horse Society secretary David Ralley-Davies.

Adult day tickets cost £8 in advance, £6 for under 12s and seniors.

For more information visit: www.shire-horse.org.uk

Horses escape harm in Devon show crash

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 29 May 2014 10:00:40 +0000

Drama struck Devon County Show at the weekend (22-24 May). Not only was it forced to cancel its last day due to safety fears caused by heavy rain, but a freak accident meant 2 horses had to be cut out of a lorry.

The horses were trapped after an out-of-control van struck a truck, which collided with a horsebox.

It has been reported by local press that the driver of the van had suffered a seizure and crashed into the lorry.

Police, ambulance and the fire service were called to the car park just after 2pm on Friday (23 May).

“5 vehicles, including a horsebox with 2 horses inside, were involved,” said a spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue. “Fire crews were called to cut the horses free and 1 of the animals had to be sedated.”

1 person was treated by paramedics with minor injuries and another was taken to hospital.

“Our horses were trapped inside for 3hr,” wrote Sarah Box on Facebook. “They were absolute stars. No one was injured, luckily, but had it been a minute or 2 later, our horses would have been tied up outside and crushed.”

Unrelated to the accident, Devon County, held at West Point Showground near Exeter, was cancelled for the first time in its 119-year history because of the wet weather.

16 tractors were on site to tow out cars and lorries.

“Quite exceptionally heavy rainfall immediately before and during the show turned the car parks into quagmires, to the point where it would not be safe to allow people to park their cars,” said a spokesman.

“It was heartbreaking to have to make this decision, but we were left with no choice.”

First published in Horse and Hound on 29 May 2014

College sponsors county show

Martha Terry — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 11:00:34 +0000

Northumberland College is renewing its sponsorship of the Northumberland County Show (26 May) for the second successive year.

While organisers would not reveal the exact sum of money involved, it is said to “run into thousands of pounds” annually as the show’s main sponsorship. Around 40 other companies will also sponsor the show.

The benefits are mutual, with the college having much to gain from its input to the show, including £1,000 bursaries for 5 potential students.

“The college has a superb platform to showcase its land-based courses to a very targeted audience,” said show secretary Gaynor Scandle. “They receive lots of free tickets for students and the show offers a bursary scheme for five Northumbrian young people to study agriculture, animal care of other land-based education. Kirkley Hall [the college’s specialist land-based education campus] is often the first choice for students.”

This year, further strengthening the relationship, the college’s vice principal of enterprise and innovation, Marcus Clinton, will judge the light horse championship.

Mandy Charlton, equine section secretary, said his credentials were “impeccable”.

“Marcus has vast expertise and knowledge in the equestrian industry as a British Showjumping judge and previous chairman of the British Horse Society in Staffordshire,” she said. “He has managed his own equestrian businesses and is the author of Horse Business Management.”

Marcus has overseen the development of the equestrian centre at Kirkley Hall campus, increased competitions and initiated a British Eventing fixture at the site.

“I’m very honoured to be asked to judge this year’s light horse championship,” he said. “The county show attracts large numbers of competitors and standards are always extremely high.”

Man taken to hospital after kick at Kent County Show

Horse & Hound — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:33:39 +0000

A contractor was taken to hospital with suspected broken ribs and kidney injuries after being kicked in the ring at Kent County Show on Saturday (17 July).

The man, who has not been named, was securing a flapping banner in a corner of the main ring when a novice hunter, which had been misbehaving earlier in the collecting ring, lashed out as it passed and kicked him in the back.

A spokesman for the show said: “The contractors had been asked to do this job before the classes started, but for some reason, they hadn’t done it.”

The man was reported to be ‘comfortable’ in hospital, where he was expected to remain under observation for a few days.

County show visitor numbers on the up

Horse & Hound — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:24:06 +0000

Bumper crowds have been recorded at county shows across the country thanks to good weather and tough economic times.

The Devon County Show (20-22 May) gate was up by 920 visitors from last year to 92,500.

Secretary Ollie Allen said: “People tend to stick with traditional value-for-money events after a recession.

“Also, TV programmes like Countryfile have put viewers back in touch with the reality of rural life,” she added.

Cheshire County Show (22-23 June), too, had record crowds of 85,000.

“[It] is proof that the show continues to go from strength to strength despite difficult economic times,” said executive director Nigel Evans.

Surrey County Show (30 May) admitted 38,200 through its gates — its highest attendance since 2002. Chief executive Sonia Ashworth noted an increased interest in livestock and food production.

“The agricultural element is growing, with the largest livestock entries in years,” she said. “And an £8 ticket gives you an array of attractions.”

Surrey Show falls during half-term, and Ms Ashworth believes the financial climate may have contributed to the high attendance as people spurn holidays abroad.

The Royal Highland Show (17-20 June) saw its gate swell from 176,522 last year to 187,644. At Northumberland County Show (31 May) attendance was up 11% from 2009 to 28,200.

Although many visitors are there as much for the coconut shy as the Foxhunters, a British Showjumping spokesman said that county shows were “the backbone of our sport”.

“County shows give us access to an audience that spans millions. Besides being lucrative commercially, they also allow us to identify medal-winning potential,” added spokesman Maria Clayton.

Karen Ward of the British Show Pony Society was also encouraged by the figures.

“It means that the general public and competitors want to support these shows,” she said. “It’s great for raising the profile of showing and giving members an opportunity to compete in large arenas with good audiences.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (8 July, 2010)

Leicester County show cancelled until 2012

Horse & Hound — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:01:24 +0000

The news is not all bad for Leicester County Show, which last week announced its cancellation for 2010 and 2011.

The two-day show — traditionally held at Melton Airfield over the first May bank holiday — has an extensive equine section encompassing driving, farriery, showjumping and showing, including a number of important qualifiers.

Organiser Leicestershire Agricultural Society said the cancellation had been a difficult decision but made for “a number of reasons”.

Society chairman James Webb told H&H there had been a drop in sponsorship revenue of almost 50% over the past couple of years.

But a change of venue to a permanent, 85-acre site in Market Harborough is the main reason behind the cancellation.

“The new site won’t be ready until 2012, and we can’t run anything else at Melton Airfield after early May. So if we made losses on this year’s show we would not have been able to soak them up later in the year,” he said. “We’re just being responsible.”

The show has always been well supported by exhibitors and competitors — in particular, says Mr Webb, the equine section, which attracted around 1,200 competitors last year.

And the society hopes the new site will offer opportunities to expand.

“The new site will have a main ring, fencing and security office and so on,” he said. “After the 2012 show we want to put in an all-weather surface for the equestrian section and look at running more equine competitions year round.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (25 February, ’10)

Shropshire and West Mid Show returns for 2010

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:44:00 +0000

The Shropshire and West Mid Show is being revamped for this summer with a fuller horse section and a new name — Shropshire County Show.

Last year, the Shropshire & West Midland Agricultural Society, which runs the show, was ready to put itself into voluntary liquidation.

But several trustees did not want to lose the show so set up a rescue proposal.

A full review of the show is planned with new classes and support from Shropshire Council.

Annie Home-Dodd from the show committee said: “The society has been running for 125 years, but the past 10 years have been touch and go. There are a few hills left to climb, but we hope the show will go ahead.”

She added there was going to be a “strong horse section” headed by new horse chairman Annie Newby, who was appointed in January.

Mrs Newby said there would be more than 70 horse classes, including side-saddle and retraining of racehorses classes.

“I’m delighted to help get the show back. My main aim is to bolster the horse classes and regain the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers,” she said.

Showman David Tatlow said: “I’ve spent many hours on the showground and started my career there. I hope everyone pushes for the HOYS qualifiers.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (18 February, ’10)

Top county shows cancelled in 2010

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:05 +0000

Horse and country lovers in Lancashire and the Midlands are to lose two of their biggest county shows next year.

The future of the Royal Lancashire Show looks bleak after organisers cancelled the 2010 show due to a dispute with the local council.

And this month the West Midlands Show folded as the charity which ran it, the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society, went into voluntary liquidation.

The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society (RLAS) blames “lack of co-operation” from Ribble Valley Borough Council for the demise.

Following a dispute over parking access for the venue between local landowners, an alternative traffic route was drafted — but the RLAS claims the council rejected plans before they were finalised.

“It looks unlikely the Royal Lancashire Show will ever run again,” said RLAS spokesman David Marriott.

“We’ve made a complaint about the local authority. Its actions resulted in the loss of our financial support and we have gone into mothballs.”

Bad weather caused the show to be cancelled in 2007 and 2008, costing the RLAS about £550,000.

Mr Marriott said the society is “bereft of funds” and that the office will shut on 31 December.

Ribble Valley Borough Council declined to comment.

H&H columnist Stuart Hollings said: “I remember going to the show when it was in Blackpool as a young child and it was my first glimpse of the showing world.

“It’s a great shame to lose one of the oldest shows on the circuit — it has been dogged with bad luck.”

Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society was unavailable for comment.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (19 November, ’09)

BSJA launches new £60,000 series at county shows

Horse & Hound — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:40:51 +0000

A new show jumping series which will be pivotal in assessing riders and horses for international competitions will be launched in 2009.

The series will carry a total of £60,000 prize-money and will be funded by the British Show Jumping Association Business Partnership and their county show venues. The 1.50m eight class series will be run on a league table points system and will conclude at Royal Berkshire in September.

The league table will carry a bonus of £45,000 worth of rider ranking points with £10,000 of those going to the winner. Ranking points will be awarded in a sliding scale down to 8th place alongside the competition cash prizes.

“It’s superb we have been able to introduce a series at this level that meet our objectives for assessing horse and rider, and is a great stepping stone for those capable of progressing to four and five star Nation’s cup competitions,” said newly appointed chairman of the international committee Clare Whitaker.

“This is a fantastic series made possible by the BSJA Business Partnership, which was formed with a view to bring like-minded businesses together through the sport to assist in delivery of medals for Great Britain” said the BSJA spokesman Maria Clayton.

The series will run at Devon County, Royal Highland, South of England, Great Yorkshire, Royal Norfolk, New Forest, Pembroke and Royal Berkshire.

New £67,500 jumping series for county shows

Horse & Hound — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 14:03:18 +0000

A new 1.50 m show jumping series sponsored by Renault will take place at nine of the largest county shows this summer. Each class will offer a £7,500 prize fund and the highest placed horse/rider combination at the end of the series will be awarded a new Renault worth £16,000.

“County shows provide the perfect platform to showcase our sport,” said Maria Clayton, head of sponsorship for the BSJA.

Commencing in May at Devon County, the series will progress through the summer at Bath & West, South of England, Royal Norfolk, Kent County, Royal Lancashire, New Forest & Hampshire and Pembrokeshire before finishing at Royal Berkshire in September. The BSJA expects to see most of Britain’s top show jumpers entering the series. Jumps will stand at 1.50 m and competitors will parade at the beginning of the class.

“Up until now there hadn’t been a 1.50m series at county shows,” said Clayton. “It is only when you stand next to these fences that you realise how big they are.”

“Renault UK already has a substantial presence across the county show circuit and we were keen to find a way that we could proactively align ourselves with British show jumping, a sport whose heritage is deep rooted across the county shows and their spectators” explained a Renault UK spokesperson. “This sponsorship is perfectly in-keeping with Renault UK’s ‘everything is sport’ vision, which will be the focus for 2007.”

Show jumping has been enjoying increased popularity in Britain over the last year and the new series will ensure top level competition is experienced at the county shows.

“The vision, support and investment made by Renault UK has also allowed us to meet one of our primary objectives which was to support the county shows by bringing a sponsored series forward for them,” said Clayton.

Tim Stockdale, chairman of marketing at British Show Jumping said: “This is great news for our sport and the alignment with Renault UK fits beautifully with us. The sponsorship is one that will allow us to identify and develop talented young riders – something that can only bode well towards our success at future Championships and hopefully the Olympic Games”.

Latest from Horse & Hound in County-shows

‘We must adapt to face new challenges,’ says top showing producer Vicky Smith

Top show horse producer Vicky Smith on travelling horses, bitless bridles and hot competitions

Welfare first

You might also enjoy reading:

‘This is a worrying time indeed,’ says top show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable

Shows, safety and survival

You might also enjoy reading:

‘She has a beautiful soul’: Former riding school pony once found tied to a lamp-post is off to HOYS

You may also be interested in:

Top eventer picks up first 1.50m showjumping win with tiny horse who’s a ‘real trier’

You may also be interested in:

‘It shows anything’s possible’: meet the blind showing enthusiast who won at Cheshire County Show

Finding Comet

You may also be interested in:

Robert Walker: ‘We must sell our sport by showcasing it at its best’

Delayed notifications

A day out for all

You may also be interested in…

Almost 500 showing qualifiers announced for London International Horse Show

London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023

BSHA classes

BSPS classes

Shows hosting London Horse Show showing qualifiers 2023

Alresford Agricultural Show

Ashby de la Zouch Agricultural Society

Blakesley & District Agricultural Show Ltd.

Bridgend Country Show

BSPS Scottish Branch

Burwarton & District Agricultural Society

Cardigan County Agricultural Show

CHAPS UK South East Regional Show

Cumberland Agricultural Society

Dorset County Show

Dumfries and Galloway Horse Show

Dunster Show Society

Durham County Show

Garstang & District agricultural & horticultural society

Gransden and District Agricultural Society Show

Great Eccleston Agricultural Show

Hanbury Countryside Show Society

Heathfield Agricultural Show

Hertfordshire Agricultural Society

Lawford Park Show @The Tendring Hundred FC Show

Liskeard & District Agricultural Association

Llanedi Agricultural Show

Malton Agricultural Society

Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society

Norfolk Show Jumping Club

North Tyne & Redesdale Agricultural Society

Orsett Horticultural & Agricultural Society

Penistone Agricultural Society Show

Perthshire Agricultural Society

Prospect Farm Show

Puddledub Spring Shows

Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show Society

Royal Welsh Agricultural Society – Smallholding & Countryside Festival

Rutland County Show

Ryedale Show

South of England Agricultural Society

Suffolk Show

Stithians Agricultural Association Limited

Stokesley Show

The North Devon Agricultural Society

The Cheshire Horse Show

The South Suffolk Agricultural Association

Tynedale Agricultural Society

UK Ponies & Horses Limited

Westmorland County Show

You might also be interested in:

‘Showing is coming home’: excitement grows over new series with final at London International

An HPower spokesman said that show organisers have responded “extremely positivity”, with a “significant number” requesting to run classes.

“I am so pleased that we’ve had such a fantastic response from show organisers,” he said.

“It will be a great experience for finalists to compete at LIHS in December – showing started in the capital with the London International Horse Show at Olympia, holding many classes when it started in 1907, so the circle is now complete with showing coming home.”

“Commentators will be encouraged to be much more informative for the watching public, describing what is required of the competitor and what the public should be looking out for,” he said.

Paul Hooper, ASAO secretary and president of the Mid Somerset Show, said showing is an “intrinsic part” of ASAO member shows.

“We look forward to working with LIHS this year to expand this fantastic new series across the UK. We hope all competitors enjoy competing at our member shows throughout the summer and wish them all the very best of luck at reaching the finals of all the equine competitions on offer,” he said.

You might also be interested in:

HOYS acts to reassure shows after concerns raised over rules on London qualifiers

Concerns were raised about the rule and one organiser told H&H it is forcing shows to choose between HOYS and LIHS on which qualifiers they hold.

William Funnell: ‘Let’s get county shows back on their feet’ H&H Plus

County shows’ future at risk amid Covid-19 challenge H&H Plus