Castleford Riding Club show

This is one of three shows to be held by this club throughout the year. The show was surprisingly well supported, with lots of clsses and competitors. We had quite an enjoyable day, although a cold wind across the unsheltered field made for uncomfortable waiting. Interestingly, the ring was on a hillside, so the judge was obliged to re run one competitor, whom she had originally directed to run down hill. Apart from this, the venue had good grass surface, and plenty of room on a very pleasant field. We were pleased to purchase a really nice photograph taken by a professional photographer there, which will be a nice memento of a worthwhile outing.
Next weekend is busy with two very well loved shows - Otley on Saturday, and the White Rose at Temple Newsome, run by BSPS, on Sunday. We are hoping for two good days, and hopefully some better results.

Hanlith Hall Pony Show

Hanlith Hall - always an enjoyable day. We had a lovely time, as usual, and we were pleased our pony behaved better this time, and gained a 2nd. As before, there is a good selection of classes, if you want to enter more than one. There is no separate class for Shetlands, but Mountain and Moorland is divided into large and small breeds, and then there is 'best condition', 'novice', etc.  As usual, our judge was really pleasant - this makes such a difference to the competitor's enjoyment.  Weather was bright, and fine, though a bit chilly. I hope the new Saturday timing won't put people off, as this is such a pleasant show.
For next week, I've discovered a new pony club at Castleford, with what seems to be a similar series of shows, so I'm going to give that a try. Entries are taken on the day, so easy to decide close to the day.

First Show of the Year - Yorkshire Shetlands Spring Show

This year, a small shift in show dates led to the Yorkshire Shetlands Spring Show being first up on April 21st. Held at the Livestock Auction Centre in Merton near York, this show was a first outing for many ponies this year, and mine certainly showed the effects of a long winter spent doing absolutely what they felt like. Due to the persistant cold weather, my ponies still have their thick winter coats, which doesn't help. We could have had a run out at the Hanlith Hall horse show at Easter, but bad weather and other factors meant we had to miss this one. The Spring Show was well supported, and despite disappointing performances from pony and handler (me), we had a really good day, as we were able to catch up with many old friends, and meet new ones. We had a close encounter with a very cute new foal, and spent most of the morning chatting. To summarise - great day out, shame about the results!
This is a good show for those serious about Shetland Pony showing, with the opportunity to see many really good ponies and expert handlers, and is a good place to meet lots of enthusiasts. The venue is unusual, and not really ideally suited to picnicking, but is convenient for the ponies, with good stabling available right next to the show ring. Entry fees are very reasonable, and refreshments are available within the Auction centre.
Our next show will be the Hanlith Hall show on May 5th.  The shows will be held on Saturdays this year, and this year I will be joining the Pony Club, so that I can gain points at the shows, and I am hoping to attend the end of year Presentation evening.