Saintfield Show was first held in 1945 and continues to attract the best exhibitors from across Home Industries, Poultry, Rabbits, Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, Goats, Clydesdales, Horses, Ponies, Carriage Driving, Donkeys, Miniature Horses, Show Jumping and Dressage.
The Show offers a fun day out for all the family with Refreshments, Children's Amusements, Trade Stands, Craft Fair and a Dog Show.
Show Round Up - Well Done Everyone!!
The 69th Lisburn and Saintfield District Show was hailed a resounding success, with a great turnout of competitors and spectators alike. Despite early drizzle the sun came out and shone all day and the Committee were delighted with how the new and improved show layout worked.
A very, very big thank you to everyone who played a part in making the Show a success – main sponsor Lisburn City Council, the RUAS, exhibitors, competitors, spectators, traders, caterers, gate staff, judges, stewards, officials, sponsors (most of whom were individuals and local businesses), advertisers, vets, Raymond Bready our commentator and paramedic Eamon Ferguson and the medical crew.
The working hunter section benefited from a larger arena this year which led to greater enjoyment of the classes for both competitors and spectators. The judging team of Miss Emma Holder and Mr Russell Ingram, from Surrey, were not only impressed by the attractive and challenging course built by Mr David McClurg but also the excellent numbers and quality of ponies and horses throughout the day. The judges experience and enthusiasm was evident with one competitor commenting that the "Ride judge was friendly, professional and gave the horses a great ride. Conformation judge was knowledgeable, polite and gave great feedback." As in previous years the working hunter classes were well supported with the dedicated horse competitors remaining at the show grounds late into the evening.
The main arena was in full swing all day with 3 dressage rings on the go as well as the in-hand and pony showing, miniature horse and horse breeding and young stock classes. Judges Jimmy Wilson and Julie Finlay picked Eva McClurg with Cadlanvalley Caradog as their Supreme Champion in the pony section with Connor McCormick’s beautiful mare Brookvale Lavender Lady taking home the Reserve Champion rosette. In the Donkey section, the judge, who was from France, was delighted with the excellent quality of stock and the wonderful facilities.
The cattle rings saw stiff competition for class placing and qualifier spots for the big finals later in the year with a particularly big numbers of Saler cattle and a nice South Devon featuring for the first time. Whilst the Highland drew away some of the regular contributors, others took the opportunity to show in their absence and overall numbers were good.
This year featured some Rare and Traditional pig breed classes for the first time and some twenty six animals were on display and fighting for the points as Saintfield is now a points gathering show for the TESCO sponsored RBST Pig Derby Competition.
A combination of good weather,excellent facilities and top quality sheep and goats were all contributing factors to making Lisburn and Saintfield District Show a great success. One of the highlights was the introduction of Pygmy Goat classes and they proved to be very popular with spectators.
Entries were good in the poultry section this year. The judges said the standard of the birds was very high and they had hard decisions to make in placing the birds. We appreciate everyone who supports the poultry section and hope to have even more entries next year. We also greatly appreciate our stewards and exhibitors who help not only on the day but also help in putting up and dismantling the cages which can be very time consuming. Congraulations to Robert Bennett who was Show Champion and M & R Neill who were Reserve Champions.
There were enthusiastic crowds and great excitement in a bunting bedecked Home Industries marquee. The high standard of entries in all sections, eggs, crafts, baking, flowers, honey and children's art kept the judges busy. A spinning demonstration by Northern Ireland Guild was an added attraction which held the attention of many, as did the Little Seedlings Club organised for children.
Advertise Here
To advertise here please email secretary@saintfieldshow.co.uk
