New classes at Suffolk Show

In-hand sport horse classes will replace warmblood sections at this year’s Suffolk Show (1-2 June). These new classes encompass all young athletic horses with the conformation and movement to go to the top of their sphere.

Following the successful introduction of the side-saddle concours d’elegance two years ago, a second side-saddle class — classical ladies’ side-saddle — is being introduced.

For the younger competitors, the show has introduced special classes for the best lead-rein or first ridden in the children’s riding pony section, and for the best first ridden mountain and moorland.

Former Olympic gold medallist Richard Meade is one of the judges for the Suffolk Show in-hand supreme championship, first introduced in 2004, and will also be the conformation judge of the ridden hunters.

Also new for 2005 is a young handlers’ heavy horse class. This class is for young people aged between 13-18 judged purely on the ability and presentation of the handler.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (24 February, ’05)