Monday, 11 March 2019

Royal International Qualifiers at Northumberland County


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 facebook


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