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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 63 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 54 popular classes.
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.
Scarlett Aichroth from Ashington on Josh wins the Open Jumping in Class two with Holly Clothier from Ston Easton on Candy, 2nd. In Class Three Jess Tytheridge on Pevlings Dynamite from Horsington proved the winner in Novice Jumping over 2ft 9in with Mollie van Geest from Lockley, Hants on Marble 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 1st, 2nd and 3rd September. Five Qualifier Classes were held in Ring Four and the individual winners proved to be Laura Adams from Devon on Ryans Express in Class Sixteen and Seventeen; North Barrow rider Stephanie Smith on Ulrike in Class Eighteen; Sandy Gillman from Sherborne on Hillview Farm Muddled Up for Class Nineteen; Twenty proved to be Alex Gillman from Sherborne on Hillview Farm Muddles-Up and finally Twenty Louise Hebditch from Kingsbury Episcopi on Mr Bojangles. Champion from these classes was Widlake Waterlily ridden by Lorna Robins and the Reserve Champion Stephanie Smith on Ulrike.
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; Frances McDonald of Shaftesbury on Spotlight ; Kathy Emery of Frome on Widget. The 'Best Ever Year' for entries; Best Ever' gate and whilethe sky was overcast it didn'tstopriders and spectators having a thoroughly enloyable time. £3,000 donated to charity from each of the last two years. Will it be beaten this time and add substantially to the £38,000 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 28th July; charity donations to be presented in November 2006.