What's on in June

The Otley Show came up to expectations - we were pleased to get a 3rd place against stiff opposition, and we spent an enjoyable hour or so taking in the many and varied entertainments on offer at the show.  Unusual highlights were a blacksmiths competition, and a display of mounted games.
June is fast approaching, however, so what's on?  We have attended the South Kirkby and Moorthorpe Civic Sunday pony show for the past two years - an interesting little show in an unusual location on a sports field in the middle of a housing estate!  This year, we may give this a miss and revisit Hanlith Hall on the second Sunday in June.  The Three Counties Show, at Malvern, is on 17th to 19th June, but entries have already closed for this - it's necessary to plan ahead to enter these big shows, as the closing dates can be as much as 6 weeks before the show.  Cheshire County is another big one, but this one is midweek, on 21st to 23rd.

I can greatly recommend the Crowle Show on 26th June.  This is a good local agricultural show and country fair, with lots to see and buy - a good selection of trade stands, and both mountain and moorland and shetland classes, with a good attendance.  It's not far from Goole and easy to find. Schedules and entry forms can be found on www.crowleshow.org.uk and entries are taken in advance by 18th June, or on the day.

White Rose show - Temple Newsam

white rose pony show

We had a great day at Temple Newsam.  The weather was bright and breezy, with no rain.  I find the ponies can get a little over excited if it's breezy while they are running, but we didn't have too many problems this time. It's so nice to go to a local show, and have the extra support of your friends and neighbours, with the added bonus of a family photographer!  Our ponies were very well behaved, and achieved some really encouraging results.  Our new pony came well up to expectations, and we were thrilled to gain a second, a junior reserve champion, and a reserve champion rossette.  Even our old ponies did well, and at last we managed to buy a suitable head collar for our standard.  We wanted a finer one, as the one we had looked a little bulky in the ring, and in the end we chose an in-hand show bridle, in a narrow leather, so I hope this will improve her appearance for our next show, at Otley.  I am looking forward to a good day there, as there are always lots of interesting events and livestock.  There will be a good number of trade stands, where horse paraphenalia, clothing etc can be perused. For details of what's on at Otley, look on their website, www.otleyshow.org.uk .