Horsewoman reveals secrets of show ring

Ms Barley, who runs a yard at Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, is taking viewers through her preparation for this year’s show, where she will enter her 19-year-old mare Mellamaid and filly foal in the lightweight hunter brood mare classes.

Ms Barley has been showing horses at the Great Yorkshire Show for the last 20 years, and last year she left with the championship silverware for her brood mare Drummacy and foal Drummatic.

“We’ve entered the same class again and it would be just wonderful to repeat what we achieved, but the competition is always strong at the Great Yorkshire so we’ll have to see,” said Ms Barley.

The foal is particularly special as she is the sixth generation to be bred by the family.

Over the coming months the pair can be seen on the show’s website getting ready for their class which takes place in the Main Ring on Wednesday July 13.

Linda Brudenell, chief equine steward said: “The aim of the video is to bring to life what’s involved in preparing for the show ring.

“Hours and hours of preparation are needed, as well as selecting the right animal and Kath has a great deal of experience, as well as being a judge in her own right.”

Ms Barley began riding when she was two and remains passionate about it. Over the years she has progressed through pony club and competing at smaller shows through to judging at last year’s Horse of the Year Show – all by the age of 33.

Tickets are available from now for the show which runs from Tuesday July 12 to Thursday July 14 at www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk, or via 01423 541222.