Hexham show organisers thankful for dry weather

Posted by The Journal on Jul 30, 09 09:57 AM in News

Organisers of the Hexham Native Horse and Pony Show were relieved that they had far less wet weather than expected at their event.

The show, one of three key rare breed events nationally, avoided much of the anticipated rain and crowds enjoyed a variety of classes.

With nine native breeds including Shetlands, Welsh, New Forest and the rare Irish Draught, dedicated show participants were joined by those who simply liked horses and wanted to have a ride.

Committee member Juliet Rogers said: "The day's about promoting native ponies and horses. A lot of our native breeds are rare and endangered. They all perform here, so it's a great opportunity to see them all in one place.

"It's a great shop window for people who want to show and it's a great day out for people who like ponies. It's been going for 16 years and it grows over the years because it's a laid-back show."

Joanne Pybus from Walbottle came along with daughter Ella, who rode their new pony Rosemarche Heather and won two rosettes.

Joanne said: "She's a new pony and we want to take her to the national championships, so we needed to find out a bit more about her.

"We normally go to 25 shows in a season and this show is very important for us, because it gives the native ponies their chance to be judged in their own right.

"It's been great and it hasn't rained all day."

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