Anyone ever gone to the “Heathfield & District Agricultural show”?

[michaelakc]

Hi anyone ever been or going to the Heathfield & District Agricultural show? That’s coming up on the 23rd May???
This is my first time going there and I’m so nervous and excited at the same time, the reason for the post before I start ramblerling lol is has anyone ever gone there and entered in the foreign breed class? I have read the terms and conditions but it doesn’t mention anything about presenting your horse in any classes’ I have contact the shows secretary but I haven’t heard back yet.
So I thought I give this a go lol has anyone ever entered for any foreign breed class and know if they need to be unplated, plated or hogged ect also does my yearling need to move in a certain way what I mean by that is does he need to do the high action of the his front legs ect? But he’s only just turned a year so I don’t want to push him to soon.
For answer proposes he’s breed is a Lipizzaner, gelding and just turned a year old. He in the process of changing colour at the moment from bay to gray.

Thanks in advance “!!!!

Kate

 

[tormor]

never done the class but go early as the traffic it horrific!

 

[ajb]

ditto the leave early traffic a nightmare getting in but well organised parking wise..it is however a very buzzy show so not great as a new venue or for first timers....parking is on a hill and it normally rains!!!....

 

[Rambo]

I remember the Heathfield Show in it's heyday when it had some pretty decent showjumping classes. These days it's just a showing show, cattle parade and upmarket garden centre...so not much interest to me

We took the kids pony a couple of years ago as it was cheaper to enter a class than pay to get in...but the amount of damage done to the lorry due to the mud soon outweighed the saving.

I think as a showing show it still holds some cache...but it's not our cup of tea anymore...

 

[SpruceRI]

I've only been to watch once.

Remember it being on the side of a hill and an exhorbitant entry price for so little to look at, so haven't bothered since!

I'd imagine for your Foreign Breeds in hand class you'd be expected to plait unless plaiting is a no-no for your breed according to their rule book.

Smartly turned out, and no, no high-step trotting?? Just well mannered I would think.

 

[TGM]

Ditto the fact that Heathfield is a very buzzy show and seems to wind up even some of the experienced animals. Collecting rings there are usually very small and crowded - a friend of mine got her leg broken there when an out of control Welsh Cob double-barelled her.

It does also get extremely muddy when wet - one year it was horrendous.

As for the foreign breeds class, you turn out according to breed standards. I would assume that Lipizzaners are shown unplaited like Andalusians, Friesians etc, but you would be best to check that with the breed society. Your youngster should move in a natural manner and you obviously need to practice beforehand to ensure he is well-mannered to lead in-hand, trot up and stand for the judge.

 

[michaelakc]

Oh god!! She broke he leg!  by the sounds of it,,, this show doesn’t sound as good as it making it out to be.. I was thinking last night should I go to this show as it is a two hour drive for us & I don’t really want to stress him out with all the travelling. Also when I read that this show was also for sheep, pigs, dogs, cattle and flowers!!! didn’t appeal to me one bit and I have been having seconds thoughts since then.
You mention above tmg about the crowed rings! That’s my biggest worry that my yearling or myself might get hurt by another animal.
Hearing about the horrendous traffic, muddy arenas and parking! Has put me off completely, I don’t really fancy trashing my lorry.
Cheers for your guys advice and pass experience with this show,, I’m going to give it a miss! I think it’s a joke when they are charging an entry fee as well as a class entry fee!! My parents would have to pay £22 pounds just to watch! It’s ridiculous.
He is well handle and has excellent manners, “touch wood lol don’t want to say too much

” I’m going to take him to smaller shows this year to get him used to the atmosphere ect.
Then next year we tackle the bigger shows  I think that would be the better option for us. Xx
p.s if anyone knows of smaller shows near the Essex area, such as Norfolk or Suffolk ect coming up at the end of may to august pm me please cheers,! 
Thanks again guys!!
Kate