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 – striving to be the team home with the optimum time 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!
