September - the last shows of the season

Keighley 3rd September; this is a good one.  A large agricultural show, with all the trimmings.  This should be on anyone's calendar, if you are within easy reach. The Keighley show boasts five classes for Shetlands, with several championships awards and trophies on offer.
Stokesly Show, 17 September; our first time at this show, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can recommend this for next year. There was a good selection of trade stands, including some good refreshment stands, an enormous and very popular country clothing marquee, and huge marquees for the small animals, vegetables etc.  Classes are for Mountain and Moorland, divided in to small and large breeds, with no separate class for Shetlands, but still there was a strong showing of Shetlands in the small breeds classes.
And finally, as always, Nidderdale, held at Pately Bridge on Monday 19th September.  We don't usually go to midweek shows, but we always make an exception for the Nidderdale, even though there are only three classes for Mountain and Moorland, and no separate Shetland classes.  As well as the horse and agricultrual events, the Nidderdale features a large dog show, and a good standard of professional main ring entertainments. The venue is in a picturesque area, and the lovely village is only two minutes walk away.
And that's it for this year, except that we attended another Hanlith Hall show in September, and may consider joining in the monthly tournament next year, we enjoyed these friendly little shows so much.  My next blog will follow the Hanlith Hall presentation ceremony at a Masquerade Ball in Skipton.

August Shows

August showing began for us with the surprisingly entertaining Tockwith Show.  This is an unaffiliated show for Shetlands, but was well supported, with a good entry over several classes. Unfortunately, no pony-accompanied spectators were allowed at ring-side, so I missed our pony's first win, and best result so far for us.  I can recommend this show particularly for the quality of handcrafts, being demonstrated on the spot by crafts people.  Giftware and other products were also of a noticeably high standard.  A very large show to look around.
Ripley Show again offered another great day out.  There is a good variety of livestock at this show, in extremely picturesque grounds, although there were only two classes to choose from for Shetlands.  Interestingly, this is one of the few shows that offers a class for unregistered Shetlands.
Gargrave Show was affiliated, so well supported by the serious Shetland fraternity.  Plenty of classes, a nice sized ring, and some quality Shetlands made this a very interesting day.
Bank Holiday Monday is always the day for the Epworth Show.  This is quite a large local agricultural show, with several mountain and moorland classes, as well as open classes for coloured, young stock and miniature horses and ponies.  Quite good entry numbers, considering the large number of classes, and a good, sizable venue. 
September begins for us at the Keighley Show.  This will be a good Agricultural Show, with lots of livestock, entertainments, trade stands, and of course, Shetland Ponies.

Malton Agricultural Show, Shetland Pony Breed Club Show, Huby and Sutton on Forest

Three great shows.  The Malton Show is held at Scampston Park - picturesque grounds, overlooked by a lovely House.  Just 3 classes of in-hand Mountain and Moorland, with an unusually large number of competitors in each, but still a nice day out, with lots to see at the Show.
The Shetland Pony Stud Book Society Breed Show was a different sort of show altogether.  The location was an enormous equestrian centre in Falkirk. Many ponies stayed overnight in the stables, and the Society held a ceilidh on Saturday evening.  There were approximately 400 ponies at the breed show, and what an array of beautiful quality ponies.  The venue was ideally suited, and the show was very well run.  I can particularly remark upon the friendly welcome extended to everyone by the hard working committee members.  It is certainly well worth the effort to travel to this show, and a real experience to see so many fantastic Shetlands.    
The Huby and Sutton Agricultural Show is a well run, enjoyable show.  Lots of livestock and other classes, and particularly good horse classes.  We were able to enter the Mountain and Moorland, and the Shetland classes, as they had separate specific timed starts, so no worry about paying the entry fee and then finding a time clash. We saw a lovely display of carriage driving, and the weather was very hot.  This show is well worth a go, with some top Shetland ponies in attendance.

North of England Shetland Pony Show

As expected, this was a very interesting show, with lots of top Shetlands competing.  A new venue, farther north than last year, but a nice spacious field, with easy access from the M6 or A65. Definitely one for the serious Shetland showing enthusiast. Just a shetland show, this, with minimum refreshments and barely a trade stand in sight, but a lovely day and worth the trip.

NEXT SHOW - MALTON
We've decided against the North of England In Hand and Mountain and Moorland Show on 17th, in favour of the Malton Agricultural Show.  Malton will be a much less serious show for Shetlands, but I think we can be sure of an entertaining day out.

An Unexpectedly Large Show

The North Yorkshire County Show was amazing - it was absolutely huge.  Horse boxes as far as the eye could see, and five large show rings, in addition to show jumping and Heavy Horses.  Apart from the Horse Show, the Agricultural Show was the largest I've ever seen, with classes even for pet rats!  We gained another fourth, in a class of small breeds Mountain and Moorland.  There were some very nice breeds there, which made for an interesting day.  This show was certainly well worth while, and one to look out for next year.

More Shows for June, July

We managed to scrape a 4th at Hanlith Hall, with a very badly behaved pony!  Never mind, it was a lovely morning, and we just got finished before the rain.
At the last minute, I discovered the North Yorkshire County Show, on this Sunday, 19 June.  It looks like it could be a lively agricultural show, with lots to see, so I've put in a late entry.  As the Shetland classes are at 1.00pm, it won't be an early start, which is a plus.
For July, I've discovered the Malton Show, clashing with the Mountain and Moorland In Hand on Sunday 17th July.  It looks like a good agricultural show, and will be much closer for us, so we are favouring that one.  Entries close 30th June, www.maltonshow.org.

July Shows -Don't miss these

Lots of shows on in July, but specifically, North of England Annual Shetland Pony Show on 3rd July - a difficult one to track down, this, as there is no website, so the contact is Mrs Warwick, Tel 01524 825110.  Entries close 13th June, and no late entries are accepted. Don't miss this one if you are within easy reach. It's a bit out of the way for some, being in Cumbria, but it's a really good show.  Lots of serious shetland people there, and good ponies.  A really strong showing of Black ponies, and the opportunity to meet some of the top shetland breeders.  Last year was my first at this show, but I thought it was well worth it, despite persistant Lake District rain! No trade stands as such, but there is catering (by Jan's Pantry).
Alternatively, there's the Arthington show (www.arthingtonshow.co.uk).  This has changed weekends since last year, so I won't be going, but it looks like it has potential.  Classes for mixed in hand, and also mountain and moorland split in to small and large breeds.  Entries by 25th June, or on the day.
The other show I'm hoping to attend is the North of England In Hand Mountain and Moorland Championship Show.  I can't comment on this one, as I haven't been before, but it's on 17th July in Grantham.  Entries by 29th June.  Find the schedule at www.northofenglandshows.co.uk.
This year I'm trying the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society Breed Show, which is in Falkirk, on 24th July.  This is quite a long way, so will be a major trip for us.  I think this may be quite a prestigious event.
Then there's the Huby and Sutton on the Forest Agricultural Show on 31st July.  This is a good local agricultural show, with lots to see, in a very nice stetting. Entries by 15th July www.hubyandsuttonshow.org.uk.