Horses, Ponies & Show Jumping
Over the four days you can see over 2000 horses and riders compete in a range of classes and competitions. Experience the highs and lows of the In hand and Ridden classes, the excitement of the Show Jumping and Driven Classes and the sheer entertainment of the crowd pleasing team events.
Ridden showing opens the Show at 7.30 with the Hunters in the Main Ring and progress through the day with the new Winergy Flat Ridden Sports Horse class which could be the seed bed of future Olympic horses. Thursday is a big day for Retrained Racehorse’s, another new addition this year is a Challenge class in which the horses are assessed on retraining and suitability to diversify. The Society is delighted to welcome Mrs Jenny Pitman OBE to judge the conformation section of this exciting new class.
Friday is Native pony day with 12 breeds competing in breed classes, leading rein, first ridden and working hunter pony which include the new Olympia qualifying class. The final day of the Royal Bath & West Show is very much a young riders day with a host of children’s Show Pony classes plus the ever popular Donkey’s and new for 2010 classes for Miniature Shetlands and Miniature horses.
Show Jumping
Show jumping is a fast exciting event which takes place twice a day in the Main Ring and on Saturday in Ring Two. The Society is keen to encourage young and upcoming riders and horses into this International sport - many of our top riders and horses have started their career in the Agricultural Show Jumping classes.
Inter-Hunt Relay
This heart stopping knock out event sees teams from 14 different West Country hunt clubs competing against each other in a series of heats that sees them hurtle around a “working hunter “ type course. Watch as two teams of four go head to head in a relay over two identical courses set next to each other. This popular competition always throws up some surprises...when placed under the pressure of competition and the electric atmosphere of the Main ring even the most skilled rider can get caught out!
The Relay is held in the Main Ring at 12.30 on the Wednesday.
Pony Club Mounted Games
As the name suggests, the games take place on horseback and the concept is to promote a team competition requiring courage, determination and all round ability on the part of the team member, as well as careful, systematic training of their ponies. The competition which is thoroughly entertaining and great fun to watch, was designed to produce a spectacular competition using 'ordinary children on ordinary ponies’.
Pony Club Mounted Games take place in the Main Ring every day with the final on Saturday; heats take place during the week in the Mounted Games area behind the Woodland and Wildlife Section.
The Royal Bath & West Show is very grateful to its supporters and sponsors including: Algrey Stud, Birchmores Stud, Ideal Home Roadshow, Etheridge Farm Stud, NSR Communications and Wincanton Racecourse.
