Equestrian

Equestrian Great news for competitors as Bath & West announce show

A new Equine Showing Show is being held at the Royal Bath & West Showground in Somerset on May 21 and 22. The inaugural event will include a full complement of in hand and ridden classes, together with qualifiers for the RIHS & HOYS along with the Cuddy Supreme In Hand Qualifier. Head of shows Alan Lyons said: “The society are really excited to be hosting the Bath & West Equine Showing Show this summer. With the vast amount of space available on the Showground and the permanent facilities on site, we are confident that everyone will be able to enjoy two days of competing in a covid-secure environment.” To ensure the safety of competitors, the event will take place behind closed doors under the guidelines of The Showing Council blueprint for hosting covid19 compliant equine events. Chair of the Royal Bath & West Society Horse Committee Jane Cooper said: “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to run a two-day show for exhibitors to get out and enjoy themselves. We are moving back to the old horse area layout and will be using the Main Ring, Ring 2 and a new Ring 3.” The Bath & West of England Society was founded in 1777 in Bath by a group of philanthropists led by Edmund Rack to encourage agriculture, arts, manufacture, and commerce. The society continues to deliver a rich mix of established traditional exhibits through to the latest energy technology and contemporary entertainment. The entertainment and features around the 242-acre site ensure enjoyment for every member of the family and include attractions that are spectacular to watch, educational, inspirational, “hands on” or just plain fun. Exhibitors will be able to enter online from March 15 and an online schedule will be available soon. If you are a previous exhibitor at the Bath & West, please note you will not automatically receive a printed copy of the schedule in the normal way. Closing date for entries will be May 3. No entries will be taken after this date and no entries will be taken on the day. For information about the Bath & West Equine Showing Show, visit bathandwest.com/equineshowing-show-2021

THAT’S CHAMPION: A winner with their rosettes

Important to check safety of our lorries

As the She reliably told me that evenings are being called out to a horse getting who has fallen through the lighter it floor of a moving vehicle is gives me a one of the worst scenes to little hope ever deal with and said this that maybe, scenario is easily avoided. in the not too Similar checks should be distant future, I will once again be able to partake in Equestrian columnist Charlotte Williams carried out on ramps as they take a lot of strain. When you think of how much time, love and money we pour into our horses, it makes sense tothat recently rare pastime of a spend a little time runninghorseshow! So, with hope in my heart, I thought it was high time Ivy my reliable Iveco had a thorough check-up before I can eventually hit the road (I can dream)! When you think that our equine friends are wholly dependent on us for their wellbeing in transit, our which made me realise how little I know about the basics of running a lorry coupled with the latest vehicle legislation. I had no idea that as of this month, lorries with front tyres that are older than ten years will be required to have new ones fitted. Graham tyre on board, were vital to avoid blow-outs and other nasty incidents. The one thing I am careful about is checking the floors of my lorry. Horse wee is a huge culprit in causing rotting wood and aluminium corrosion. And this is something that through a few basic checks before we set off. As Graham reminded me, just because your lorry has a plating certificate and is roadworthy, is it horseworthy? As an aside, breakdown cover is money very well spent. I know from lorries’ safety should be high enquired as to how you can check yourself by experience that sitting on the on our priority list. frequently I checked the tyres just getting under the lorry side of the motorway waiting With this in mind, I rang my for the correct pressure, and having a good look. If for recovery is no fun at all, trusty mechanic Graham, depth of tread, exposed wires you are in any doubt, just ask but I cannot imagine how who gave me the low-down and bulges, and stressed your mechanic. A close awful it would be to break on horsebox maintenance, these checks, coupled with friend of mine trains fire down with horses on board having a roadworthy spare crews in livestock rescue. without it.

ON TRACK: Wincanton Racecourse is holding meets behind closed doors, but hopes to open soon

We’re closed, but not furlong

By Jade Leahy

Wincanton Racecourse is a National Hunt racecourse and is part of The Jockey Club portfolio, home to the Kingwell Hurdle, The Badger Chase and The Boxing Day Raceday. In normal times Wincanton could expect upwards of 14,000 racegoers but is once again racing behind closed doors for now. Wincanton’s track differs from most English racetracks as they race right-handed. The track is one of the oldest in the industry dating from the 1700s and has a circumference of just under two miles long with a short run in of about 200 yards. It’s galloping track with tight bends requiring some agility and often favours front runners. Horses must jump well to enter the winner’s enclosure at Wincanton as some of the fences are challenging -9 fences with two open ditches per circuit. A new stayer’s hurdle is also planned this year. On 20th February, all eyes will be on the Betway Kingwell Hurdle. The 1m3f hurdle race is open to horses aged four and older and is a key stage on the road to Cheltenham. Wincanton is part of the South West Syndicate, offering Jump racing fans who share the dream of a festival winner, the chance to experience racehorse ownership for a one-off fee and become part owners of three fantastic Jump racehorses through its horseracing syndicate. When restrictions aren’t in place Wincanton offers full range of hospitality packages with private boxes for special occasions or corporate entertaining. The team also plans to offer a host of entertainment and events, including family fun days ensuring it’s more than a racetrack and more part of the local community. EQUINE CLASSIFIEDS

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