Countryside Live – Equine Excellence Ready for the Off !
There is strength in numbers and also in content at next weekend’s showcase event, Countryside Live.
NB: Images available to download at the bottom of release.
Held at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, the little sister of the Great Yorkshire Show, is ready for the off, with record entries in the equine section as well as plenty of entertainment and fun. This will be the 13th Countryside Live and dates are Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.
The Northern Show Cross Finals were introduced three years ago and have galloped to the front with record entries in the junior, senior and team classes. The classes are held over both days and in the showground’s prestigious Main Ring.
Organiser Janice Mewse said: “We’ve had excellent support from pony clubs, riding clubs and hunts from across the North of England. Some 100 individuals have entered, plus there are 34 entries for the junior teams and 35 for the seniors which are record figures, and we have a waiting list. Riders just love coming along, the feedback I get is that they love riding in the Main Ring and that it’s such a friendly event.”
In addition there are record entries in the Search for a Talented Showjumper competition. Olympic experts, Graham and Tina Fletcher will again have the difficult task of picking out the winner. The atmosphere is always tense and exciting as the hopefuls are put through their paces with the prize of a day at the Fletchers’ yard as their goal. The two day contest was introduced in 2010 to help nurture young talent and this year sees a record breaking 55 entries.
Judge Tina Fletcher commented: ”Graham and I love being part of this event. Search for a Talented Showjumper is very innovative – I don’t think there’s anything like it in the UK. We are not looking for someone who has been at the Horse of the Year Show - entrants come in all shapes and sizes - we are looking for someone with potential rather than the finished product. I hope that everyone who takes part, whether they win or not, leaves with some information on how to improve and be a better horseman or woman.”
The showing classes are the backbone of the equine section and again include Horse of the Year Show qualifiers (Coloureds and Mountain & Moorland Ridden).The highlight on Saturday will be the Coloured Championship, and on Sunday, it’s the Ridden Mountain & Moorland Championships. Entries at 289 are slightly up on last year’s figure of 283.
Elsewhere around the event are classes for livestock, poultry, pigeons and honey plus Bjorn the Polar Bear, the hilarious One Man and His Pig contests, Diggerland Experience and dog agility shows.
The venue is the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. Gates open at 9am and close at 5.30pm. Please note dogs, other than assistance dogs are not allowed on the showground. Parking is free and extensive.
Countryside Live 2015 Ticket Prices
| On the Gate | |
| Adults | £12 |
| Children (5 – 18 years*) | £6 |
| Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) | £30 |
*Under 5s admitted free.
For the latest information see www.countrysidelive.co.uk
ENDS
9 October 2015
Judy Thompson, PR Manager, Yorkshire Agricultural Society 01423 546215 or judyt@yas.co.uk
NB: Final chance to apply for press passes to Countryside Live. Please complete the online application form on our website, by 9th October 2015 - http://countrysidelive.co.uk/media/press-passes
EDITORS NOTES
The Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event Countryside Live, are organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society as part of its year round work supporting and promoting the farming and rural industry. Next year will be the 158th Great Yorkshire Show, and dates are Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 July. Countryside Live, the Society’s autumn event takes place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October, 2016.
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