A new dedicated Horse and Country Ring is set to introduce Suffolk Show goers to its equine stars.
The ring will be packed with events and displays from the adjacent Equine Village and Countryside Village areas, including side-saddle demonstrations and displays from the Highland Pony Society and the Suffolk Horse Society.
The show, which takes place on May 31 and June 1, incorporates one of the largest two-day equine events in East Anglia, including a series of prestige show classes and stunt displays.
The Equine Village, sponsored by Gibbins of Suffolk, enables horse fanatics to meet professional riders, see top breeds and peruse stands stocking everything from equine accessories to clothing.
There will also be a unique opportunity to view two special exhibitions from the Suffolk Horse Society and the Suffolk Punch Trust, including the majestic story behind the rare Suffolk Punch and the history behind show organisers the Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA) and the Suffolk Show, dating back to the 1830s.
Horse classes remain the ‘mane’ event for horse lovers at the show, with the chance to watch some of the country’s best professional riders in action. Classes include light horses, ponies, scurry, private driving and show jumping, with riders competing from across the UK to qualify for major competitions such as Olympia, Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show.
New classes have been introduced this year for youngstock and four years old and over Clydesdale horses, Mountain and Moorland lead rein, and an unaffiliated ridden hunter class.
Horse displays and events continue in the President’s Ring and the Grand Ring, including a Shetland Grand National and a display by the Atkinson Action Horses, the equine stars of the BBC’s Poldark.
Show director Bee Kemball said: “We are very proud to showcase such a wide variety of equine talent and exciting displays at the Suffolk Show.
“This year we’re going bigger and better with the introduction of some new horse classes and a dedicated, action-packed Horse and Country Ring.”
Advanced show tickets cost £22 while children aged under 15 go free. Visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk or call the hotline on 01473 707117.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here