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Riders again flocked in terrific numbers to compete in the West Country's most popular One Day Horse Show at Home Farm, Kingweston near Somerton. 30th July proved to be another record breaking event in the 62 years it has taken place and all 8 Rings, plus two very busy Dressage Rings, were kept going from 9 am throughout the day with 55 popular classes.
A special highlight during the day was the tour round the Showground by farmer host Derek Maunder celebrating his 80th birthday. Show Secretary Margaret Peverley drove him round in her open motor buggy with competitors, ringside viewers, judges and stewards waving best wishes and calling 'Happy Birthday' expressly conveying appreciation and thanks for allowing the Show at Home Farm for so many years. In Ring One Mr. Maunder received surprise birthday gifts to his delight, one a framed limited edition 'Hunting Print', again to the applause and waves from the many onlookers.
The Unaffiliated Jumping Ring One hardly stopped from 9am until 6.30pm with four classes constantly full with competitors of all ages. Clear Round jumping from 9am to 12 noon in Ring Two with Unaffiliated Jumping from 12.30, sponsored by A.K.S. Renault of Yeovil, also drew a steady flow of competitors.
Carrie Anderson from Castle Cary on Midsummer Boy wins the Open Jumping in Class two with Lydia Cox from Long Sutton on Duncan, 2nd. In Class Three Teresa Honeyball on Bright Lady from Crewkerne proved the winner in Novice Jumping over 2ft 9in with Annabelle Moore from Bridgewater on Talisman a close 2nd.
This year the Somerton Horse Show was a qualifying event for the coming Chaps(UK) Colored Horse and Pony Society International Show to be held on 20th, 21st and 22nd August. Six Qualifier Classes were held in Ring Four and the individual winners proved to be Lorna Robins from Dulverton on Widlake Tigerlily in Class Sixteen and Seventeen; Sherborne rider Andy Burks on Bashful Bobby Dazzler in Class Eighteen; Zoe Bailett from Yatton on Millies Midsummer Magic for Class Nineteen; Twenty proved to be Alex Gillman from Sherborne on Hillview Farm Muddles-Up and finally Twenty Louise Hann from Montacute on Bashful Bobby Dazzler too. Champion from these classes was Widlake Waterlily ridden by Lorna Robins and the Reserve Champion Louise Hann on Bashful Bobby Dazzler.
Great fun was enjoyed to the full by the thrilling Junior Ridden Games at 1.30pm in Ring Four. These included races for Bending; Trot and Walk; Egg and Spoon; Potato race; Run and Ride, etc. a real treat for the youngsters 12 years and under. All day dressage tests competitions also drew a record number of entries from riders of all ages and experience; winners included Alys Jones of Taunton on Able Access Ski; Carrie Anderson of Castle Cary on Midsummer Boy; Julia Stockley of Bath on Mr. Jorroks and Helen Saunders on Press the Button from Somerton, The 'Best Ever Year' for entries; Best Ever' gate and best ever weather especially after the 'Cats & Dogs' rainfall of 2003. £3,000 donated to charity from each of the last two years. Will it be beaten this time and add substantially to the £35,000 already presented.
The Somerton Horse Show, still the best in the South West, ran smoothly and happily giving pleasure to all. Next year on Saturday 29th July; charity donations to be presented in November 2006.