Royal Highland Show: Saddle up for a celebration of horsemanship

ANYONE who is into horses - whether it be show ponies, working heavy horses, show-jumping, pony club games or carriage driving - can be assured of a field day at the Royal Highland Show.

With around 3,000 horses and ponies competing, much of the focus for the four days is on all things equestrian. Show-jumping, in particular, may not get the level of mainstream television coverage it used to enjoy in the days of Harvey Smith or the late Raymond Brooks-Ward, but it remains a big draw on the bill.

It's an integral part of the show programme and, held in a special jumping ring and also in the main arena, it is enjoyed by both expert and lay visitor alike. The control of the rider and the skill of the horse in negotiating some colourful and difficult obstacles, frequently in tight patterns that require nimble footwork, can be a thrilling spectacle.

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This is nowhere more evident than in the Gillespie Investment Group Grand Prix competition, which has a first prize of 6,000 and attracts many of Britain's top jumpers. Last year, Lance Whitehouse riding Transmission came out on top of an entry of 28. The Grand Prix is one of a number of top competitions held throughout the four days which boast a total of 40,000 in prize money.

With next year's London Olympics on the horizon, there's the added challenge of impressing the selectors. The International Stairway, supported by the British Show-jumping Business Partnership, is one class in a cumulative series which is used to gauge the performance of horses and riders eligible to represent Great Britain. Robert Whitaker, who has ridden for his country at all levels from junior pony through to the senior ranks, was the winner last year.

Make your way to Ring 6 for most of the action or grab a seat in the grandstand at the main ring for three of the top competitions on the afternoons of Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Add to the mix driving classes, harness, grooming and decoration, farriery competitions, donkeys, pony club games and the Equestrian Village, and it's time to saddle up and get along to a true celebration of the horse.

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