Record Equine Entries for Countryside Live
A weekend of equine excellence is promised for the forthcoming ‘little sister’ event of the Great Yorkshire Show - Countryside Live. Dates are Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October and it will take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
Organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society have announced that equine numbers have reached an all-time high, with a total of 335 entered in the competitions well and truly beating last year’s record of 303. And there’s a new feature this year, the North East Driving Trials, which take place in the Main Ring on Saturday afternoon.
Show Director, Bill Cowling said: “Since equine classes were introduced back in 2008, the section has gone from strength to strength and it’s very much an integral part of the whole event. We also try to include new elements that are fun and interesting, whether or not you are knowledgeable about horses. This year for the first time we are featuring the driving trials which will be great to watch, with competitors manoeuvring their horse-drawn vehicles round various obstacles. It’s all against the clock so lots of thrills and spills are expected!”
The Trials have attracted entries from competitors of national standing and also novices, who will compete in two rounds, culminating in a grand final. Amongst the “experts” are Tara Wilkinson from Shelf, Halifax, a member of the Gold medal winning British team at the 2012 World Young Drivers Championship, and also Stephanie Milner of Huggate near York. Earlier this month (September) Stephanie was crowned British National Novice Champion. She’s following in competitive footsteps as her father, Jonny, has twice won the British rally driving championships. It will be a father /daughter team as he will be on her carriage’s back step.
Also on Saturday is the Northern Show Cross Final which was introduced last year, providing a real test of riders’ speed and agility. A combination of show jumping and cross country, there are several sections novice, intermediate and open for juniors and seniors. It takes place in the White Rose Ring.
On Sunday, the Main Ring will host the Ridden Heavy Horse Class - this innovative class made its debut in 2012 and had spectators flocking to watch these majestic animals being ridden around the ring. “It is quite moving to see these traditional farm animals forging new careers as riding horses,” said Mr Cowling. This year the judge Mr Andrew Spalding will also ride each one, adding a new dimension to the class.
The prestigious Olympia Heritage Mountain and Moorland ridden qualifiers section will be hotly contested giving spectators an opportunity to see the cream of Britain's native ponies. It is literally the “last chance saloon” for a shot at the national title as Countryside Live provides the final opportunity to qualify for December’s Olympia.
Entries are still being taken for the “Search for a Talented Show Jumper” competition in which, in sessions over the two days, up and coming riders can learn from Olympic experts, Graham and Tina Fletcher. The indoor arena will also be packed with fun and entertainment with classes for best pony and rider combination, working hunter ponies, mountain and moorland lead rein & first ridden, coloured ridden horses and ponies, and a coloured working hunter pony class. Finally, on Sunday afternoon there is a fancy dress competition where children and ponies try to wow the judges with their eye-catching costumes. The Search for a Talented Show Jumper competition is sponsored by Askham Bryan College.
ENDS
23 September 2013
Judy Thompson, PR Manager, Yorkshire Agricultural Society – 01423 546215 or judyt@yas.co.uk
If you wish to apply for press passes to Countryside Live, please complete the online application form on our website, by 11thOctober 2013 – http://countrysidelive.co.uk/media/press-passes
Further Information
Countryside Live takes place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate and is organized by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Gates open at 9am each day, and car parking is free. See www.countrysidelive.co.uk for more information.
TICKET PRICES
Tickets are available at the event and in advance (booking deadline: Friday 11 October)
In Advance
Adult £8
Children (age 5-18) £4
Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £22
On the Gate
Adult £10
Children (age 5-18) £5
Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £28
Please note: Dogs other than assistance dogs are not allowed so please leave your pets at home.
YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was formed in 1837 and is a charity dedicated to supporting the farming industry and rural life. This ranges from educational initiatives to the Society’s Nuffield Scholarships to hosting the Yorkshire Rural Support Network. The Society is based at the Regional Agricultural Centre, Harrogate; the RAC includes Fodder, the Society’s award winning regional food shop and café which opened in June 2009.
The Society is the organiser of the annual farming and country showcase, the Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live. Both take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire and are flagship events for agriculture and rural life. Dates for the next Countryside Live are Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October and the 2014 Great Yorkshire Show runs from Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 July. See also www.yas.co.uk and www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk
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