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.

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.