The Kilmacanogue Horse Show is now in 49th year and many would say that no summer is complete without this wonderful show. The aim of the committee has always been to run a community based show and raise funds for local charities. Over the lifetime of the show it has raised much needed funds for local charity partners in Wicklow, provided an excellent family day out and put a smile on many a child’s face.
This year due to COVID-19 the committee have decided the main priority is to keep everyone safe so they won’t be holding the show in its traditional manner. The committee of volunteers were determined that the show must go on and took to Zoom to plan a fun and exciting virtual show, with something for everyone in the family.
This year they are running limited classes and asking people to enter online. There are some classic equestrian classes including performance hunter, riding classes and style and appearance along with the show favourite fancy dress.
For those horseless amongst us, there are plenty of fun classes- a new one this year is the ‘Lockdown Living – Back to Basics’ class where entrants can display the activities that keep them going during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that be baking, gardening, nature-watching, yoga, painting etc.
There is also a fun ‘Back-Garden Dog Agility’ class where participants can submit a 1 minute video showcasing their dog’s agility over a home-built course which will be judged on accuracy, speed and adorability. In the ‘Best Pet’ class, all pets are welcome and participants are asked to submit a picture of their favourite pet. So far entrants have ranged from a sunglass wearing Labrador called Mello to a goldfish called Frankie.
The star class of the virtual show is undoubtedly the ‘Guess the Weight of the Lamb’ class featuring the wonderful show lamb Speckles. All you have to do is watch the video on the website and guess his weight. There is a fabulous prize for the winner of an annual family pass to Powerscourt Garden and Waterfall, kindly donated by the Powerscourt Estate.
This virtual show is definitely worth taking part in, entries are open now and winners will be announced on 3rd August 2020.Check out www.kilmacanoguehorseshow.com for more details.
