The Horse section of Moreton Show 2023 welcomes some exciting new changes this year; the Show Jumping classes have moved to the Main Arena which means there is now a dedicated ring to hold a Team Eventer Challenge!
This competition consists of a team of four riders competing over a course of Show Jumps, once completed, they then have to tackle a course of Cross-Country obstacles – racing against the clock to be the fastest team round. The team with the quickest time will be crowned Moreton Shows Team Eventing Champions!
In the showing rings, the timetable of classes has been expanded to ensure there are classes for everyone to enter, from riders looking for a fun family day out to those seeking the exclusive golden ticket to the prestigious Horse of the Year Show. CHAPS qualifiers for Coloured horses and ponies are offered, and by popular demand, "Most like a Thelwell" and "Fancy Dress" are back!
There will be lots for visitors to see and do in this year’s Horse Area, not only will there be so much to watch in the six different competition rings, but visitors can also learn all about the magnificent Heavy Horse breeds, admire the elegance of the Side Saddle riders in their traditional attire, and watch the farriers showcase their shoemaking skills as the farriery competition heats up.
The horse fun doesn’t stop in the Horse Area either! The exciting Shetland Pony Grand National and the Six Bar and Senior 1.25m Open Show Jumping competitions are back, which will have spectators on the edge of their seats. There will also be the Heavy Horse Parade and the Hayman-Joyce Pony Club Pairs Relay, very similar to the original Pairs Relay, just with a slight twist.
The Horse Secretary, Jess Parkes, said: ‘Everyone will want to compete at Moreton Show this year. Some very exciting changes have been made to existing classes and new competitions have been introduced with an aim to make Moreton Show more inclusive for all equestrian competitors. The all-new Arena Eventing Challenge is a great addition to an already fantastic show, and it will be exciting to see this and all the competitions in full swing on Show Day!’
Two esteemed horsemen will judge the Supreme Horse and Pony Championship this year; Major General Sir Evelyn John Webb-Carter KCVO OBE DL, a retired senior British Army officer, and Lt Col. David Luck RA, who has enjoyed a wide-ranging 38-year Army career and has established himself as an Equestrian Sports and Special Events Commentator. They bring their extensive knowledge about the equestrian world to the show, and it will be an honour to have them judging this year.
Lauren Cleary, Co-Founder of The Cotswold Leisure Group - headline sponsor of the Horse Area, said: ‘Moreton Show is the absolute highlight of our annual exhibition calendar, and it is absolutely delightful to be returning for 2023. When the team at Moreton Show offered us the opportunity to take our usual sponsorship to new heights by becoming headline sponsors of the Equine Competition Area, which features a wide-ranging variety of classes & prestigious qualifiers such as HOYs, we were thrilled to accept. Having ridden and owned horses since childhood & a lifelong love of 'all things horse', the opportunity to sponsor such a respected event in the equestrian calendar is a great source of excitement!’
The horse schedule and entries are open now and can be viewed via the show website, and everyone is looking forward to seeing all attendees in September!