Equestrian competitors of all standards will be heading for the 159th North Somerset Show on Bank Holiday Monday May 7 – the first major event on grass in the 2018 season.
The show at Wraxall near Bristol will feature more than 60 classes covering everything from Senior Affiliated Showjumping to Side Saddle. There are dedicated classes for Shetlands and Skewbalds, Mountain and Moorland breeds and the ever popular Heavy Horses.
There will also be a number of classes for hunters and cobs.
Commentator for the third year in a row is Terri Hill from Hill’s Livery on the Bridgwater Road.
Terri said:
“The show is something of a family affair for us as my father Roy is involved in the Vintage Tractor displays while my mum Mary and partner Drew help out with the hospitality for the equestrian owners, competitors and grooms. “A lot of owners help us set up the jumps – so it’s a big friendly family affair.”
Terri has around 25 horses at the livery yard she has run near Bristol for the past 25 years. In addition to the horses there are five zebras, onagers, asses and the extremely rare Przewalski’s horse.
“Hill Livery works to support captive populations as insurance against future wild extinctions. Sadly, our zebras are not at home in the big show atmosphere and won’t be joining the fun. You can tame zebras but it is extremely difficult to fully domesticate them as they are a wild animal programmed for fight or flight.”
Terri said the show was always keenly anticipated by equestrian fans.
“The North Somerset Show is always one of the first events in the equestrian calendar, especially on grass. Given the weather we have had in March it may well be the first show anywhere!”
Numbers are about the same as last year with a maximum of around 30 competitors in each category.
“It’s a great place to introduce a young horse to the big show atmosphere but there will also be a number of top local riders competing in Open Championship qualifiers. We are aiming to make the going as perfect as possible for veterans and newcomers alike.”
The 159th North Somerset Show will featureeverything to do with agriculture and the countryside including cattle classes, dog agility, tractor pulling as well as the equestrian sections.
There will be exhibits of farm machinery as well as bespoke food and drink and country crafts in a series of spectacular marquees.
Show secretary Tim Ledbury said:
“Advance tickets which allow you to beat the queues will close on April 30 - but of course you can still buy a day ticket on the gate.”
Details of the show and how to get tickets can be found at www.nsas.org.uk or phone 01934 837285 for the ticket sales or for general enquiries 08456342464.