So you think showing isn't for you?

So you think showing isn't for you? Well we're determined to prove you wrong. Join the team at Leigh and District Horse and Pony Club—where there is something for everyone.

I’ve never done it before. Horseowners of all abilities are welcome at Leigh and District. Younger riders who are not as confident can try lead rein classes, first year first ridden or capabil-ity ridden. Older riders who are new to showing can try our novice classes.

My horse isn’t a registered breed. We have classes for every type of horse, from mini cobs and veterans to retired racehorses. Why not try a riding club horse or pony class where your horse will pop a small fence, or family pony if you have that rarest of creatures, a true all-rounder. Equitation classes are open to all breeds and our showjumping starts at 40cm.

I prefer dressage. We have an open style and per-formance class which would be perfect for those aspiring to wear top hat and tails. The show in-cludes a three or four loop serpentine, lengthened trot and extended canter across the diagonal. We also have both in hand and ridden classes for sport/competition/dressage horses.

My child just can’t stay clean for long enough to make it into the ring. That’s why we have the Thelwell pony and rider class!

We have shows throughout the summer, visit our website for more information

Tell us on Twitter (@leighridingclub) why you love showing - use the hashtag #showingisforme

PRESEASON SHOW SUNDAY, MARCH 18TH

Phew!

Where on earth has the season gone? It doesn't seem like five minutes since we were worrying over whether the fields would be dry enough for the first show - and now it's May bank holiday!

Don't forget, this weekend's show will be your last chance to qualify with us for the Ponies (UK) sumemr champs, and is also a BSPS championship qualifier and area 2a points show. I've been looking round the websites of other clubs recently and I believe that we offer the widest selection of qualifiers anywhere in the North West - although if you know of one we've missed then let us know!

Still to come are more Equifest and UK Showing qualifiers, CHAPS, TARRA (for retired racehorses), plus more opportunities to qualify for the North West showjumping and working hunter championships before Ponies (UK) winter qualifiers at the end of summer.

Sunday's show will also have a working hunter ring, with clear round until 11am. For logistical reasons the working hunter is NOT on the main show field - unlike some shows we don't believe it's fair to ask 15 section Ds to gallop round a 20 by 20 ring! If you cross out of the show field by the bottom gate and go across the flat field (spare car parking) you will come to our beautiful, professionally built workers course. It jumped really well at the show at the beginning of the month, so we hope you will come and give it a go.

As ever, more details are available on our website, or you can leave a comment or email leighanddistrict@yahoo.co.uk with your thoughts.

See you on Sunday!