Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s annual show returned for its 10th year with a day of friendly and fun competition for riders of all ages and experiences, and horses of all shapes and sizes.

Over 100 competitors took part in more than 50 classes at the 2019 Redwings show held at Topthorn Equestrian Centre, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, on Sunday, 12 May.

In their first year of competing at the Redwings Show, they were presented with the top prize of 25 bales of shavings, donated by Sundown Bedding.
They had wins in the ridden hunters and veteran horse classes, before taking the ring one championship.
The pair also took home the Spillers best condition championship, for which they received £100 in Spillers vouchers and a saddlecloth donated by SEIB Insurance Brokers.
Victoria said: “I’m ecstatic and chuffed to bits for my old boy.”

Reserve supreme champion went to Diana Dunstan, from Shillington, Hertfordshire, with her one-year-old British donkey Perehill Tia.

Earlier in the day the pair won the Donkey Breed Society affiliated Donkey youngstock in-hand class and the ring three championship.
Diana said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Tia has done so well, especially at such a young age and being so well-behaved at one of her first shows away from her mum.”

Redwings Jacob and his guardian Rebecca Wright took first place in the best ridden rescue class.

Redwings Quince with guardian Amy Bloomfield and Redwings Lady Fern with guardian Jayden Hills came second and third respectively. Meanwhile Redwings Teddy and his guardian Anna Hales came third in the in-hand best rescue class.

Redwings Quince was also crowned the victor in the Utility Pony class, while Redwings Teddy came second in Best Turned Out, and Redwings Lady Fern took second place in Prettiest Mare and third in Lead Rein Pony.

Alongside traditional ridden and in-hand showing classes, the event provided dedicated novice and just for fun rings where those new to showing could hone their skills.

A competitor jumps clear in one of the Working Hunter classes.

There was also plenty of healthy competition on offer for those more experienced, with many returning champions and those fresh from major national shows challenging each other for the top prizes.

Over 100 competitors took part in the Redwings Show 2019 at Topthorn Equestrian Centre in Suffolk

Organiser Jude Palmer said: “We’re delighted that the Redwings Show continues to welcome every rider and handler – from the experienced showing competitors to those for whom the Redwing Show is their first ever competition. With so many beautifully turned out horses, ponies and donkeys, the standard of competition was incredibly high so big congratulations to Victoria and Marz on a real stand-out performance.”

Jude continued, “It’s always wonderful to welcome back our rehomed rescued horses, and to have watched them and their guardians not only succeed in the rescue classes, but many other classes on the day, was particularly special in this 10th anniversary year. Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s show and we look forward to seeing you again in 2020.”
Following a hugely successful first year the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Mountain and Moorland Championship will once again be held at Your Horse Live, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on the 8 November 2019.

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