Let's Get On With The Show

Today we ventured to Dorset County Show for the first time. Based in Dorchester was only a stones throw away, with that in mind we got there fairly early but still wasn't at the front in the car park! Very well organised and parking was easy don't this put you off if you are thinking about going in the future, very reasonable ticket prices too!

Todays visit was to catch up with Claire Sturmey an old friend (more like family), who was riding and showing her lovely horse Ned. They both have been to many events this year so was about time we caught up.

Whilst waiting for Claire and Ned to arrive, we wondered around the Dorset Show to see what was on, we were more than impressed. Lots of stalls, food places and plenty of animals of course. As you walk into the show, the horse jumping immediately takes your attention, with the competitors one after the other, completing the course with only a few failing to jump.

After walking past the jumping ring, we ventured down to The Countryside Area, where crowds gathered to watch the ferret racing, which the children loved as they were encouraged to help release the ferrets into the pipes. Once the winner was announced the attention quickly moved on to the ring next door, where the hunting dogs were being shown, lovely dogs with plenty of tricks for the family to enjoy.

We soon headed into the horse lorry area in a hunt to find Claire and her horse, and after a little wonder we managed to find her hiding in the lorry with Ned tied up outside.

He was soon kitted up and ready to compete in his class of the day Native, in hand, coloured. For us non horsey people, its a class for horses that are native to the UK, not white and being shown by walking around the ring.

Good news for Claire that only three people (including Claire) had entered in her class so they were guaranteed a rosette. Even better news when Claire was the only one that turned up to compete which meant they got the first rosette. Perfect start to the day.

First rosette of the day

After a quick change Ned was ready for some more action, this time in the Native, Coloured ridden class, for this ring Claire had to be riding Ned but this time Claire wasn't so lucky and she wasn't alone in the ring. Ned had to do his magic and prove he was the amazing horse we know he is.

Claire had lots to do in this class, first walking him around the ring, into a trott and canter. The judges also wanted to look at the horses without saddles so they could look at the horses markings. After this they were made to put the saddles back on and ride around the ring once more.

Judges and photographer in the ring.

Ned managed to strut his stuff and came away with another rosette, this time a second place.

All in all a good but tough day for Claire and Ned. Lovely to see them both once again and look forward to seeing them at future events soon.

Lots more to see after watching Ned, we decided to have another wonder around the grounds to see what was going on, we were spoilt for choice. Rings were packed full of animal parades and shows, from goats to Police horses.

With lots of things to see and do, would highly recommend The Dorset Show. Check it out next year!