The Northumberland County Show, held on Bank
Holiday Monday, 27th May, set in the beautiful parkland of Bywell Hall in the
Tyne Valley, features hundreds of competitive livestock classes for horses,
cattle, sheep, alpacas, pigs, fur and feather, and many more. The Equine
Section is renowned for its quality and variety, with a huge range of
competitions, challenging courses, superb judges and excellent location.
BSPS Pony Competitions have always featured
strongly at the Northumberland County Show. After a record attendance the
show’s commentator, Mrs Jo Jefferson, Mr and Mrs Baxter from The Wooden Horse
Company, the show’s course builders, plus several high profile competitors,
approached the organisers with an idea. They all felt the show was of such quality
and prestige that it warranted a request to become a Royal Qualifier. This
prestigious honour is rarely granted on a first application, however, Head of
Equine, Mandy Charlton told us, “We are absolutely delighted to have been
awarded Royal International Qualifiers in five classes of our Kirkley Hall
Working Hunter Pony Section. This is a real coup, and enhances our status as
one of the premier equestrian events in the north.”
The classes include WHP Nursery Stakes, WHP
133cm, WHP 143cm, WHP 153cm and Open Intermediate WHP 158cm. This is the last
qualifier of the season, so it promises to be an exciting day. Entries are open
this week and competitors should go to the show’s website to view the Equine
Schedule and to enter any classes online before the closing date of 26th
April.
The Stratstone British Showjumping Arena
offers classes from Novice Open 90cm up to the prestigious National Open 1.3m
with the opportunity to qualify for the British National Championship with two
double clear rounds. The Retraining of
Racehorses (RoR) Section continues in its popularity, with showing and ridden
classes and a Championship competition. Traditional favourites such as the
Mountain and Moorland Section, Side Saddle, CHAPS and Hunter classes attract hopeful
competitors from across the country.
There are many things to see and do around the
show field. This year the Northumberland County Show is celebrating the
Forestry Commission’s Centenary year with awe-inspiring Axemen, pole climbing
and fire walking. Visitors of all ages will enjoy and forest themed art
competitions, meeting Forestry Wildlife Rangers and wildlife experts; there is
a display of vintage forestry vehicles and equipment, a Mountain Rescue truck,
a rally car and historic vans and lorries. The Gruffalo will be there and
little ones will love the Zog Trail through the woods. The Forestry Commission is
giving away free trees to the public and staff from nearby Kielder Forest will
be promoting their outdoor activities and holidays.
With live music and great food; fun fair;
Cumberland Wrestling; Children’s Area with mini-tanks, pony and donkey rides, climbing
wall; gun dog scurry; tug of war; owl encounter; and over 350 trade stands,
there’s something for everyone. For tickets, schedules and information visit www.northcountyshow.co.uk and join
in the conversation on
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