Posted: 8th April 2022 | Back to news feed
As well as a host of leading rider demonstrations, workshops and Q&As, HorseFest 2022 will also be jam packed with fantastic daily entertainment and evening music.
HorseFest, presented by John Oates Horseboxes, is THE fantastic new, weekend festival, designed to celebrate all things horse and takes place July 8 to 10 at Kelsall Hill in the beautiful Cheshire countryside.
Entertainment includes the iconic Shetland Pony Grand National, Carriage Driving with Sue Mart of Bennington Carriages and provides the chance to learn more about the innovative sport of Polocrosse.
Without doubt the Shetland Pony Grand National is legendary and the stuff dreams are made of as jockeys and ponies tussle in the cut and thrust of the race.
Explains Seb Garner of the Shetland Pony Grand National organising team: “The races really do get your adrenaline going and as a team of riders and ponies a lot of hard work and training goes into the event before they even get to a show.
“For a number of the team the Shetland Pony Grand National is a stepping stone to becoming a full time jockey and over the years there have been quite a few former riders who have gone on to make racing their career.
“Anyone who has ever been involved will say the race is definitely a sporting event and although a lot of fun it is also very serious in many ways as the riders really do want to win.
“In the electric atmosphere of a major show some of the ponies get very fired up and can become sharp so we need to know the jockeys are capable riders and also used to taking a bit of rough and tumble that is all part of the sport especially when the ponies have a mind of their own.”
Have you ever watched in awe at the skill of carriage drivers as they manoeuvre their way through cones or obstacles on the marathon after the glamour and precision of the dressage phase.
For many horse and pony enthusiasts competing at the highest level may not be there dream but simply getting out and about in the countryside for a pleasure drive is a fantastic way to spend your spare time.
Sue Mart from the team at Bennington Carriages and leading driver and trainer, Chris Ainscough will be putting on a fascinating demonstration at HorseFest on how to get started in the sport.
These two leading names will explain everything from how to harness to communicating with the horse, providing an enjoyable introduction to the sport.
With many years’ experience and from a family steeped in Carriage Driving, UKCC Level 3 coach Sue and Chris will cover the essentials of Carriage Driving and explain how to find out more for all those wanting develop their interest.
Said Sue: “Carriage Driving has always been such a big part of our lives and everyone in the Bennington team so enjoys passing on our skills and knowledge to get more people interested in this fantastic pastime or sport.”
As the name implies, Polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played on horseback, on grass during the summer season and in the arena over the winter. Each rider uses a racquet with a loose, thread net in which the ball is carried. The ball is made of sponge rubber and is approximately 4″ across. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between your opponent’s goal posts.
Said Laura Scott. Sport Development Office with Uk Polocrosse Association said: “We are delighted to be presenting a demonstration at HorseFest and to spread the word about the great fun the Polocrosse can provide as well as the competitive action.
“The basic requisite for the successful polocrosse player is a love of horses and the ability to ride. Stick and ball skills are improved by regular practice and a competitive edge becomes important in tournament play.
“If you already have a horse you are halfway there. All you need in addition are a few safety items such as bandages and bell boots, and a polocrosse stick and ball for yourself – you’re ready to play!”
For further information and to book tickets visit www.horsefest.org. Early Bird Ticket sales close on April 17.
To sign up for our membership community HorseTribe, for FREE visit https://horsefest.org/register/free/
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