9:00am Saturday 17th July 2010
By Katie Clark
HORSEBACK acrobatics, miniature ponies and pretty piglets are among the many attractions on offer at this year’s New Forest Show.
The popular agricultural show, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, returns to New Park in Brockenhurst for three days from July 27 to 29. And this year, along with a return of all the old favourites there will be many more new events on offer.
This year there will be more than 150 equestrian competitions.
The Devil’s Horsemen will be back with a magnificent display converting battle techniques into acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts on horseback.
And as well as the usual competitions featuring the miniature ponies and Heavy Horse Musical Drive, there will also be opportunities to see New Forest ponies and displays of international showjumping as well as a pair of giant Belgian horses.
For the first time in years, pig competitions will be making a return to the ring along with more sheep competitions than ever before.
This year organisers have expanded the catering. Stalls will be groaning with plenty of good things to eat while top chefs will be demonstrating their recipes.
Floral scents will waft from the gardeners’ exhibition with flower arrangements and prize vegetables jostling for space alongside the landscape exhibition featuring the work of award-winning designers.
For those wanting to take the weight off their feet, music from the New Forest Plonkers, the Dixielanders and Downton’s Brass Band will also be on offer.
Richard Cuzens, chief executive, said: “As this is our 90th anniversary there are obviously celebrations to be had.
“The fact that we are still running while other shows have fallen is something to be celebrated.
“There are a lot of new attractions but one thing that does not change is the tradition of the bowler hat!”
• For information on tickets to the New Forest Show go to the website newforestshow.co.uk.
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