THE Saintfield District Show Committee are delighted to be able to run the show again in 2022, with the show set to take place on Saturday, June 18. The Lawson family have generously agreed to host the show again at Glenbrook Farm, 12 Lough Road, Lisburn, BT27 6US.
The show, now in its 77th year, has a great history of showcasing all things Agricultural and Equestrian to the local Co. Down community.
The schedule and entry forms are now online at saintfieldshow.co.uk and any queries can be sent by email to the secretary Alison Cleland at secretary@saintfieldshow.co.uk or by ringing 07821 588390. Please note all committee members including the secretary are volunteers with their own jobs, so please be patient in waiting on a return call. Pre-entries close on Saturday, June 11.
Entry to the show is £10 per person payable at the gate; children under 14 are free.
There will be the usual variety of craft and trade stands, along with Children’s entertainment, petting farm etc.
The committee would also like to thank all the local businesses who have sponsored various sections throughout the show. CES Quarry Products have once again been very supportive, both with monetary sponsorship and in providing stones to repair lanes etc after the show.
Ponies
The Pony Section at Saintfield Show will offer a large array of classes, which will cater for everyone. The in-hand classes are a great opportunity to show off young stock and to introduce them to a friendly show atmosphere. The Supreme Championship is very kindly sponsored by Comfort Gut and the Champion and Reserve will receive sashes, rosettes and Comfort Gut Ultimate blend.
The ridden ponies offer classes ranging from those attending their very first show to those who are seeking some practice before Dublin Horse Show. There are family pony classes, lead rein classes and first ridden classes, who will contend for the Tiny Tots Championship. This is very kindly sponsored by AH Equestrian, who has put together an amazing hamper for the winner.
Organisers are thrilled that Hazeldene Farm in Ballynahinch have also very kindly sponsored various championships throughout the day. They have provided schooling vouchers for their fantastic facilities. Organisers are hoping the numerous championships throughout the day will create a fantastic line up for the ultimate Supreme Championship at the end of the day. These are expected to be heavily contested and a welcome challenge for the two judges!
Working Hunter
The Working Hunter section pony classes will commence at 10am and the horse classes will follow lunch, not earlier than 1pm. David McClurg will again be the course builder.
Each class is divided into two sections. The first being over a course of natural jumps, which will sometimes contain a few hazards, i.e. plastic ducks in the water or maybe a sheepdog lurking. The height of the jumps are in accordance with the rules for the class. The second part can be carried out either as a set individual show immediately the jumping phase has been completed, or the judges can select the clear rounds plus others (if numbers permit) to come back into the ring to carry out a normal go round, show.
The pony or horse should have a good relaxed but powerful walk. He/ she should move on in the trot with a little bend at the knee while powering from the shoulder, not from the elbow. The canter should be ongoing, free moving and not stilted like a slow-moving rocking horse. The gallop is the pace which shows the judge freedom of movement BUT should not be carried out like a battle charge, just a nice, controlled extension.
Generally, Working Hunter Horses and Ponies differ from Show Hunter Horses and Ponies in as much as they should be of more substance with the ability to jump in a clean, fluent manner and moving on at a sensible hunting pace.
Show jumping
This year’s show jumping classes are being run by Ardnacashel Equestrian.
The course will consist of 12 show jumps. The Cross-Poles, 50cm and 60cm classes will not be timed and just a fun encouraging round for the kids. The 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, 1m, 1.10m and 1.20m classes will be against the clock from fences eight to 12 – the fastest clear wins.
At Ardnacashel, they try to build nice flowing courses and run on average three shows a week. They are always trying to improve and gets lots of positive feedback from competitors.
Donkeys
There will be a variety of showing and fun classes. The classes are open to any donkeys.
Heavy horse section
There will be a ridden Clydesdale class, with a number of different in-hand classes. The judge will be Noel Porter, well-known in heavy horse circles.
Miniature horses
Showing and fun classes for all to enter.
Family pet section
These will be fun classes which can be entered on the day. There will be rosettes for all entrants.
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