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 .

Trouble with Headcollars

Does anyone else have trouble finding suitable headcollars for showing Shetlands?  I've used the same nice traditional dark brown leather headcollars for my miniatures from day 1, but now, faced with the 'should be simple' task of procuring a headcollar for our new Standard, I have struck a catalogue of difficulties.  Firstly, I found one, size 'Shetland' online.  Great - I ordered it promptly.  No, sorry, out of stock, discontinued.  The supplier referred me to the manufacturer.  I rang the manufacturer, they were unable to comment on the actual size of their headcollars, as they didn't know what they measured!!  Undaunted, I tried a local supplier - out of stock, awaiting new supplies from France (8 weeks and counting).  So I went to a saddler's, armed with the lilac webbing headcollar I use for everyday.  The assistant measured the headcollar briskly against a leather one, and said it was suitable.  Unfortunately, it wasn't.  It was too big.  I returned, it, but they didn't have a smaller one, so they ordered one.  That was too small, so they made an extra hole in the large one, as I needed it urgently for a show.  The headcollar was clearly still too big, so I tried one on ebay.  It was too small, so I am currently awaiting a further supply of a larger one.  Is it just me, or is this altogether too complicated???

Hanlith Hall Horse Show

What a lovely day at the Hanlith Hall show!  This is a really picturesque location, tucked away down winding roads between Gargrave and Malham. Not a serious show for Shetland ponies, as there is no specific Shetland class, although there are eleven in-hand classes, including youngstock, best condition, and mountain and moorland, so most shetlands would be eligible for at least two or three classes, not counting the novelty classes at lunchtime.  Judge was really helpful, and gave out lots of well received advice. Many different types of horse, pony, and competitor enthusiastically taking part, and a great venue for a picnic.

Shows in May

There are a lot more shows to choose from in May.  I have my eye on three:

May 8th, White Rose County Show, a 'real' pony show, BSPS Area 3B. There are classes for in-hand and ridden shetlands, and the last time I attended (2008) there was a good entry, with the added bonus that year of several Falabellas - a minature horse breed not seen very often.  This is in the lovely and convenient location of Temple Newsam, in Leeds. Closing date 25th April.

May 21st, Otley Show, a good traditional agricultural show, well attended with lots of livestock classes, trade stands, and entertainments.  A small number of classes for Shetlands, also the Glynn Greenwood Mountain and Moorland classes.  A good day out.  Entries close 16th April.

May 30th, Warrington Horse Show, the real deal so far as horse shows are concerned.  Serious horse riding going on, but usually a good entry for Shetlands, and a great show to see lots of good horses.  A selection of trade stands, and a well run show. Closing date 5th May.

Yorkshire Shetlands Spring Show

This was a show with an unusual venue.  It was held at the York Livestock Centre, and this turned out to be an auction centre, so there was a small field for showing livestock, and then a very large area of metal buildings housing sales halls, and stabling.  There seemed to be various 'car boot' type sales taking place at the same time in some of the halls, and the whole area was crowded with people attending these various events.  It was very noisy inside the stables, due to people, animals, and the general noise levels that come from busyness within metal buildings.  My ponies were a bit frightened by all the commotion, and one was definitly unhappy to be left alone.  Apart from this 'industrial' ambiance, it was quite conveniently laid out, with the stables being very near the showing ring. 
It was a pleasant day as there were many lovely Shetlands present, and lots of familiar faces.  Tip for this show - leave your picnic outside the stable, unless you like your sandwiches trampled a bit.

Hanlith Hall Horse Shows

Last year I went to a very enjoyable show at Hanlith Hall, near Skipton, which was one of a series of shows leading up to a Trophy show for the overall winners in September.  The series is running again this year, beginning on 10th April, and thereafter on 2nd Sunday in the month until the Trophy Show.  This was a really nice show in a lovely location.  Hanlith hall is steeped in history, and surrounded by extremely picturesque countryside.  Lots of keen competitors there and a really nice friendly atmosphere in a very well run show.  Classes are for Mountain and Moorland rather than specifically Shetland, but there was a good entry, and some really nice ponies there.  A strong class of black ponies, and an interesting display of coloured horses of all types.  There were no trade stands, but a little cafe run by the organisers to supplement your picnic.  Well worth a look, in a lovely part of the country.