The Suffolk Show is our local County Show. Held in Ipswich over two days, it is a big event for local Farmers, Riders and the general public for a jolly good day out. Last year, Lu was lame on the morning of the show. This year I threatened to kick her and throw a big sulky wobble if she wasn't sound. (Mostly because it means getting up at 5.30am.....And I DON'T do mornings) Of course Lu is a tough old bird, and has only been lame the once in her life, and for good reason.......Sorry Trawl through posts from last year. So obvs she was sound this year. Despite living out 24/7 she also managed to keep clean from her bath.
Despite the Lorry being off the road, we borrowed a trailer (Thanks Eli O'Conner), I managed to get up at 5.25am and we set off almost on time. We arrived at the showground on time, met up with Meg, who was doing the running bits for Jo, and were in the collecting ring 10 minutes before the class!!
Lulu was outstanding!! For a pony that can spook at a tyre, or wheelie bin, when ridden, she didn't bat an eyelid at anything. She hasn't been to a show for years, but behaved like a pro. There were mini diggers nearby which upset half the class, but Lu remained calm. The changeover between Jo and Meg for the running bits was seamless. The class is an odd one....European Breeds. Lu was up against large Warmbloods, and an exceptional Thoroughbred type, which I thought was a Selle Francais. It wasn't, but the breed was obscure, so I can't remember what it was. There were no Fresians, Icelandics, Fjords or other Haflingers, which was a shame, as there is a great deal of difference between 'native type' and 'thoroughbred type' European breeds. The judge actually asked Jo what breed Lu was. I thought Haflingers are so distinctive that anyone would recognise them!
Still they came Third. And more importantly Lu was an absolute star. On the way back to the Trailer, we got ourselves burgers/bacon butties, and sat and ate them. We then left Lu tied up to the trailer with a haynet, while we looked round the Equine Village and the dog stands. When we got back, after oohing and arghring at tiny children showing calves, we found ourselves stuck.
The lane out of the showground was full of magnificent Shires pulling Trade Carts.....And they were being Judged where they stood.....Pretty much behind our trailer. Meanwhile we had some Hunt beside us and opposite us, hounds baying, horses excited, trying to get ready for the Hound Parade. We all waited patiently until the draft horses moved on. We then waited for the hounds to be released.....What a sight. Although I hate hunting, and have only ever been drag-hunting myself, I still love the sight of hounds streaming out together. An emotive subject, one which I will not preach about here.
All in all we had a great day. We were way too tired to do anything more than give the others more grass and water when we got back....we paid for that today with double poo-picking. BUT it was worth it. Well done Jo, Meg and Lulu.
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