RIDERS of all ages and abilities are invited to a horse show near Hanbury on Sunday, September 23, which this year is hosting a Dengie show-jumping qualifier for the first time.

The show, organised by Worcester and District Riding Club, offers ridden and in-hand showing classes, working hunter, show-jumping from 45cm lead rein to one metre and pick and mix dressage – plus the ever-popular mounted fancy dress.

Local businesses have backed the show, which comes at the end of a competition season blighted by bad weather, and the in-hand showing ring has been sponsored by Worcester-based vets Macarthur, Barstow and Gibbs.

The working hunter ring is sponsored by registered farrier Ben Hart and other companies have sponsored individual show-jumping classes.

Prizes up for grabs include a physiotherapy session for horse or human from chartered veterinary physiotherapist Charlotte Harris, vouchers from Countrywide Farmers and vouchers from TopShots, the photographers who will be attending on the day.

Those placed first and second in all the showing rings will go forward to a ring championship, the champion and reserve then competing for supreme of show.

With rosettes to sixth place and best dressage for three tests, plus sashes for the champion horses and the chance to qualify for the Dengie winter showjumping area competition, there’s plenty for everyone.

The show, at Park Hall Farm, Hollowfields Road, by kind permission of the Heath family, kicks off with showjumping at 9.30am, followed by junior showing at 10am, ridden showing at 10.30 and working hunter at 11am. There is catering and a paramedic on site.

Worcester Riding Club chairman Alison Harris said: “Our annual show is aimed at the whole family, from young riders on the lead rein to the more experienced of all ages. We want everyone to have fun without too much pressure.

“This year’s competition season got off to a slow start with many shows cancelled because of rain, so we hope those who haven’t been able to get out much will join us. Everyone is welcome and entries are taken on the day”.