Equestrian Classes at the Great Yorkshire Show

Horse entries for the 2003 Great Yorkshire Show have exceeded expectations - at 1,796 they are virtually back to the figures of 2000, which was particularly high.

Show Director Christopher Hall said: "The support for the equestrian classes is tremendous. We are absolutely delighted. The Great Yorkshire Show has a reputation for presenting full classes with quality animals, and this will certainly be the case. It underlines our position as one of the finest shows in the country."

Dates for the Show are Tuesday 8 - Thursday 10 July and organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, are looking forward to an excellent three days. Last year saw the largest visitor numbers for almost 20 years - 125,793 people came through the gates, and so hopes are high for another superb event.

New for 2003 in the horse section is the riding horse class which has made an excellent debut with 29 entries. The Ridden Hunters, Mixed Mountain and Moorland (in hand) and coloured horses (ridden) have all chalked up all-time records and there are substantial increases in several sections including the Cleveland Bay and Fell ponies.

One of the highlights will be The Breeders Challenge Supreme in-Hand Championship for the best light horse or pony. The George Furness trophy will be presented by Mrs Ann Furness thus continuing the family's long association with the Show. Mrs Mary Wood of Nawton near York has the unenviable task of choosing the champion. The competition takes place in The White Rose Ring on Thursday afternoon.

There will be several new "voices" - as well as faces in The White Rose Ring as David Neale, Robert Heneage and Matt Millin join the commentating team, bringing colour and insight to the information given to the grandstand crowds.

Complementing the competitive classes, in the Main Ring there will be the ever popular fast and furious Inter Hunt Relay with teams from eight local hunts competing, followed by a Parade by the Sinnington Foxhounds, the Double Harness Scurry and in the White Rose Ring on the first day, there will be a Display of Driving by the Riding for the Disabled Association.

The Show opens at 8am each day. Tickets on the gate cost £13 for adults, £10 concessions and £7 for children with discounts for tickets booked in advance. Car parking is free and extensive.

For further information look at our website - www.greatyorkshireshow.org or contact the Show office on 01423 541000.