The 69th Halesowen and Hagley Farmers' Show

On Sunday I was at the Halesowen and Hagley Farmers' Show. I was in the commentary box, commentating on the horse section of the show.

It was a lovely venue, on Fieldhouse Lane, Romsley

In the Secretary's tent: rosettes for the Welsh Horse and Pony Section,

 ...and some of the trophies and rosettes

Competitors, with horses gleaming in the sunshine

It was a wonderful setting. Who would have thought we were so close to Birmingham? 

Spectators enjoying the straw bale seating

An in-hand class. Horses and ponies are handled from the ground.

St John's Ambulance officials basking in the sunshine. They had an easy day - no casualties (thankfully)

The commentary box - my "home" for the day. Inside is Hazel, organiser of the Horse Show section, taking over while I have a tea break.

From my position, I could see into the main field - but only a small part. There were food stalls, craft stalls, a craft fair, farmers' demonstrations, dog show, birds of prey and lots of exhibitions, games and competitions.

Another view

Mid afternoon, the foxhounds from the Albrighton and Woodland Hunt came into the ring. 

It is a trail hunt these days, not a fox hunt. The hounds follow a pre-laid scent trail.

 They move almost as one flowing wave!

Towards the end of the day, the weather got much colder. Spectators began to leave, and those who stayed wrapped up in blankets!

By 5.30 the final horse class finished (the main show finished about 4.45) The judges (with posh hats) decided the overall winners - the Supreme Champions of Show

This is "King Edward", who won Runner-up Best Rider, even though he says he only entered for the experience. (He got his nickname because he thinks he rides "like a sack of spuds")

The Show has been running since 1946, and next year will be the 70th Anniversary. It was a really good show, and admission was only £2! Click here  to visit the website, and seriously, make sure you go next year. It's usually the third Sunday in September.

PS this is normally a blog about walking, but I have been unable to walk recently owing to other commitments. I hope to re-start walking in earnest this week - so look out for new blogs! In the Black Country and beyond.
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