The Alternative Westmorland Equine Show was held at Crooklands on Sunday and has been hailed as “an amazing success” by the organisers, with many exhibitors also praising the event.
he Westmorland Agricultural Society said the event “ran like clockwork”, having attracted almost 300 entries across 62 classes.
A society spokesman said: “The response was overwhelming. It generated more interest than anticipated, especially as the schedule had to be slimmed from the usual array of sections to enable social distancing.
“Social media feedback has been extremely positive, with exhibitors so pleased to be able to return to some sort of normality.”
Running under the Showing Council’s blueprint for the resumption of showing, the event was held behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed, but this did not reduce the level of competition.
It was the first show of the year for many exhibitors, and all were pleased to be out and about.
In a change to the normal show, due to the regulations, there could be no supreme honours, but each section nevertheless presented champion and reserve honours.
Championship-winners included Rebecca Morland, Tebay, who took top spot in the Fell pony classes with her mare Greenholme Buttercup and its foal Casterfell Galway Girl.
“To see so many smiling faces throughout the show rings made all the additional work worthwhile,” said Lisa Bennett, Westmorland chairman. “We could not have hoped for a better day.”
Christine Knipe, society chief executive, added: “Sincere thanks to everyone who made the event possible, particularly the judges and stewards along with all the exhibitors who have turned out in their droves to support us. It was a fantastic achievement all round.”
