Attractions
1903-2012
A new class in 2009 will run again this year. The Accumulator Showjumping class. The idea of this class is the combination of horse and rider jump a course of fences in order, gaining 1 point for the first jump, 2 for the second and so on until the final fence where the rider has two options. The first option is a 10 point fence, the second option is that the rider can gamble to jump the “Joker” and gain 20 points instead of 10. However, the “Joker” fence is much more complicated than the rest and could cost you dear! If the rider has a fence down, then the points for that fence are deducted from the riders final tally. A refusal means elimination. This precision jumping competition is sure to cause a stir as the competitors battle it out to get the highest number of points to win - will they be brave enough to risk jumping the Joker fence and losing their precious points? This class is run under BSJA rules in Ring One.
The ever popular Coakham Bloodhounds will be with us again! This is your opportunity to get “up close and personal” with these endearing working dogs. Originally bred for tracking down criminals in Norman times, these dogs and their incredible noses are now used for the sport of tracking a runner on foot while mounted huntsmen follow. The route the runner takes is organised with landowners so as not to disturb their animals or crops and to give the horsemen a challenging ride across the country. On catching the runner, the hounds are so pleased to see him that they cover him with Bloodhound “kisses”! Meet the Bloodhounds at their stand and when they parade in the Main Ring. They will be pleased to see you!
The Coakham Bloodhounds
Attractions: Every year Bexhill Horse Show boasts a number of interesting attractions for it’s visitors.
This year is no exception and the show has some great exhibits to keep all the family entertained. To find us click here
Another regular attraction at the show is the South Easten Shire Horse Association who’s “gentle giants” parade on the showground and can be found on their trade stand throughout the day. The Shire horse is the largest of all the horse breeds and whilst slow in action are a powerhouse of strength with a docile and kind nature. The history of the breed goes back to Medieval Great Old English Black Horse which was used to carry knights in armour into battle.In the 1800’s the horse was the main power in agriculture and commerce, particularly on docks and railways. Fields were always ploughed by “Heavies” until the 1930’s when mechanisation saw the number of heavy horse drop dramatically, almost to the extinction of the breed in the 1960’s. It is only due to the love and interest of a few faithful stalwarts that the Shire Horse has survived and it is now mainly used as a show animal although it has recently been found to more economical for some work than it’s metal counterparts! The Southern Shire Horse Association was formed in 1984 to promote and improve this beautiful giant of the horse world.
South Eastern Shire Horse Association
Back again this year is a foreign breed spectacular, showcasing horse breeds from around the world. Offering you the chance to see some very unusual breeds performing in traditional costume and showing off their talent and versatility to catch the judges, as well as spectators eyes!
This class is open to all foreign breeds (horses not native to the British Isles), pure or part-bred. Riders and horses may be turned out in traditional dress. The idea is that each combination gives a short entertaining show to let the judge and spectators see how versatile the breed is. For example, a Quarter Horse in full Western tack might display sliding stops and spins or a Spanish Horse would demonstrate Piaffe, lateral work (sideways movements) canter pirouettes etc to show it’s ability for collection. There is a special prize to the highest placed Iberian Horse and special rosette for the Best American Breed. This class will be shown in the Main Ring in the early afternoon and definitely has the potential for the WOW factor!
Parade Horse Class
The Accumulator
Photo by kind permission of Dreamtime Digital Photography
Para Show Jumping Display
The British Para Show Jumping Association (BPSJA) was set up in February 2007 and aims to encourage people into the sport , with promotion, training and shows.
The BPSJA has 30 members so far, with disabilities graded from one (blindness and partial sight) to the most severe at grade four, which includes amputees.
Long term goals of the association are to get Para show jumping accepted in the Paralympics but this will take time. Currently the BPSJA works with the BSJA and FEI to create gradings and rules and hopes to make Para show jumping a FEI discipline in the near future.
There will be a Para show jumping display at Bexhill Horse Show in 2009.
For more information see www.bpsja.co.uk
Photos by kind permission of Don Frost Event Photography
Equine Grass Sickness Fund
The Equine Grass Sickness Fund is the only registered charity in the UK raising funds specifically for research into grass sickness.
EGSF is dedicated to supporting and advancing research into grass sickness and further improving the treatment of grass sickness.
Grass Sickness remains a major cause of mortality in horses and ponies in Britain with more than 95% of cases proving fatal.
Grass Sickness is a devastating disease of horses, ponies and donkeys in which there is damage to parts of the nervous system which control involuntary functions, producing the main symptom of gut paralysis
It occurs almost exclusively in horses with access to grass and is invariably fatal.
For more information or to donate please click on the link below.
