Horses at the Highland Show

Saturday will see some very busy children moving about between the different types of ponies that they show, as the morning sees sections for plaited working hunter ponies, open show hunter ponies, riding ponies under saddle and with the smaller jockeys competing often in both the mountain and moorland lead rein and first ridden (which are HOYS qualifiers) and the plaited version of these classes.  HOYS qualification is also ‘up for grabs’ in the Large and Small Riding horse classes and in the Ridden Coloureds, as well as for the Working Hunters on the Thursday along with the Weights and Small Hunter classes. 

The crème de la crème of the in hand champions will be competing for a HOYS Cuddy place on Friday at 12.45, following the prestigious Scottish Native Interbreed competition for the Sanderson Trophy where the Clydesdale, Shetland, Highland and Eriskay Champions will be assessed.  Entries are also holding up very well in the Driving divisions, with strong classes for the Heavy Horse Turnouts and for the Private Driving – one particularly popular class with the public is one where there is a ‘cross-over’ with Clydesdales showing dash and style pulling exceptionally smart lightweight ‘ladies’ carts.

The Private Driving finale will take place in the main ring this year at quarter past 6 in the evening.  Sunday will be a very busy day again with the Coloured Horses split into two separate sections, as the numbers were becoming increasingly unmanageable in the time slot available in the main ring.  The In hand section will now be judged in a ring adjacent to the entrance from the lorry park, with the ridden horses in the Main Ring along with the Riding Horses, with the Side Saddle following them on.

The native breeds of Scotland are always showcased, with the Highlands, the Shetlands and the Clydesdales being stabled and available to be seen by the public on all four days of the Show.  Numbers have held up very well and the judges from Scotland, England, Wales and Australia will certainly have plenty quality to mull over!