Days out

Hurst Horse Show and Country Fair

By Victoria Corbett
June 23, 2010

Families can enjoy a celebration of the countryside this weekend when the Hurst Horse Show and Country Fair takes place. Victoria Corbett rides the Pony Express

Dance, singing, skilful displays by animals and delicious food offering a taste of the countryside are among the attractions expected to get thousands of people to Hurst this weekend.

Organisers have focused on making this year’s event an exciting trip out for the whole family at a low cost which is kind to anyone with a stretched budget.

All the usual popular features of the show and country fair will be present, including show jumping classes, ferret racing, crafts for sale and performances by local schoolchildren.

This year, there will be some new furry stars in the form of award-winning alpacas from Hurst.

The alpacas, which come from the camel family, have won their owners at Tippens Wood Farm prizes at the British Alpaca Society’s show in Nottingham this year.

Tommy, Baltimore and Sebastien won first, second and third prize respectively.

Other animals to be celebrated include birds of prey, which will be doing displays in the arena area, search and rescue dogs and German shepherds, which will be taking on an agility challenge.

Visitors also have a chance to see something unique

when horse whisperer Mark Smith demonstrates his magical effect on difficult horses.

He will be demonstrating his skills at training difficult horses on Saturday at around 1pm. He will also be showcasing a new method of riding without a bit in the horse’s mouth.

Animal lovers can get up close with furry friends with opportunities to meet and pat farmyard and have horse and pony rides.

Testing

Local riders will be testing their skills in the saddle at the range of show jumping and showing classes for all ages and abilities. Horse fans who are not entering the competition can go along to watch the action unfold.

Other competitions include fancy dress, horse and hound and gymkhana games. There is also a £50 top score jumping competition, which is a first for the show.

Although animals will be star of the show, there are plenty of other attractions on offer for visitors.

The children from St Nicholas School in Hurst will be singing and performing maypole dancing, while Hurst Karate Club will demonstrate their skills.

Other demonstrations and performances will come from Blue Flame dance group, Hurst Romans Football Club and Reading Superstars cheerleaders.

For people wanting to show off their creative side, the Hands-On Pavilion will be available on Saturday courtesy of Wokingham Cultural Partnership. The pavilion offers various arts and crafts for families to enjoy.

Stalls run by a whole host of traders and producers will be selling everything from plants and cakes to bags and T-shirts.

And with all this on offer, visitors are likely to need a bit of fuel to keep them going, so a barbecue will provide sustenance in the form of burgers and sausages. There will also be strawberries on sale at the beer tent.

The show runs from 9am to 5.30pm this Saturday and Sunday at School Road. All profits will go to the village primary school and other good causes.

Entry for a family of two adults and two children is £8

to get into the show each day. Entry for adults is £3 and £1 for children and concessions.

For more information visit www.hursthorseshow.org.uk

Our pictures show some of the attractions at previous Hurst Horse Shows, which promise plenty of fun for all ages, including craft stalls and a wide range of equestrian events