PREPARATIONS are under way this week for this year's Suffolk show - and police riders have today announced a starring role. Expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors, the show takes place on Wednesday May 28 and Thursday May 29 and among the attractions will be the Equimax Metropolitan Police Activity Ride.
PREPARATIONS are under way this week for this year's Suffolk show - and police riders have today announced a starring role.
Expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors, the show takes place on Wednesday May 28 and Thursday May 29 and among the attractions will be the Equimax Metropolitan Police Activity Ride.
Christopher Bushby, executive director of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, said: “This ride is a firm favourite at any show and will undoubtedly cause crowds to marvel at the training and commitment of both officers and horses as they perform their display in the Grand Ring.
“What makes this one of the most incredible equine displays around is the fact that these officers and horses are all fully operational.
“This means that when they have finished at this show they will all be part of front line policing in the capital, providing high visibility patrols in neighbourhoods and managing crowds at high profile events.
“These horses are a regular sight at football matches, ceremonials, pop concerts and policing demonstrations.”
The ride first wowed the crowds in the 1950's at the annual horse show held at the Mounted Branch Training School near Kingston in Surrey.
It was designed to show off the incredible training of the horses in a fast moving display that requires perfect timing, total commitment and professionalism.
Mr Bushby added: “Moves have been changed and added over the years and the ride you will see involves over 80 jumps, fast cross-overs, horses jumping through fire and a paper wall. The officers will remove their jackets, stirrups and saddles whilst continuing to jump and complete the manoeuvres.”
The show will also include traditional sights of livestock, machinery, crafts as well as stalls fun fair, flower show and show jumping.
The Duchess of Gloucester will visit the show on the opening day. For more information visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk
Are you a Suffolk show regular? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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