Top riders to compete after the Great Yorkshire washout

Some of the top show riders and horses will be in Harrogate next week.

A host of classes will be staged at the Great Yorkshire Showground, having been rescheduled following the cancellation of final two days of last month’s Great Yorkshire Show.

Some 680 entries have been received for the Horse of the Year ridden qualifier classes which will take place at the showground on Tuesday August 14.

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These are: Ladies Side Saddle, Riding Horse, Ridden Cobs, Ridden Mountain & Moorland, Lead Rein & First Ridden, Lead Rein Hunter Type, Show Hunter Pony and Show Pony.

Show director Bill Cowling said: “We have carried forward the initial entries plus we have attracted additional competitors so I am sure it will be a super day.

“We decided to go ahead as we felt it was important that riders were not disadvantaged in their ambitions to compete at Birmingham in October and this is a crucial stepping stone to that event.

“Our event will be free to the public so whilst it can never be the Great Yorkshire Show, hopefully there will be a good atmosphere around the rings.”

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It is anticipated that the Main Ring, divided into two, and the all weather ring will be used. Trade stands will also feature, and include a range of clothing companies and equestrian suppliers.

The Great Yorkshire Show had to be cancelled mid-event for the first time in its history last month after torrential rain soaked the entire site, leaving the car parks unusable.

Organisers took the step to call of the Wednesday and Thursday of the show after it became obvious that it would not be possible to safely transport people to and from the site.

The cancellation has cost the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, who organise the show, millions of pounds in lost revenue and compensation to those running trade stands at the show.

Meanwhile the Yorkshire Show’s sister event, Countryside Live, will take place on Saturday and Sunday October 20 and 21