Off to the Royal Welsh Show! (Updated with pics)

[Miss Z]

The parade of the hounds. Even though I am strongly opposed to hunting and couldn't help muttering under my breath when the countryside alliance preached that its going to fight to lift the ban, it was a nice sight to see dogs and horses stretched at full out gallop in the ring.



The shetland pony grand national - too cute for words!



The champion shire was a beautiful, powerful animal.



This is one of the champion Welsh stallions, this one is a section C I think.



Another highlight was the miniature shetland class, these guys were absolutely miniscule. I think Victoria's German Shepherd, Max, would dwarf them all.



One of the greatest shows had to be the Interhunt Relay. Teams of 4 from from hunts around Wales have to be pitted against another team and get around a symmetrical course of obstacles, passing the baton to the next team mate, and the first to finish wins. There are no penalties for a fence knocked down, but three refusals and the next rider had to take over the rest of your course then do their own, too. It was great to watch, and was a real haphazard spectacular!



A skewbald safely over the picnic table



The 'bridge' had to be walked through first...

(still more, bored yet?)

[Miss Z]

...then jumped...



... but knock it down, and you had to go back and walk it again, wasting valuable time.

And here are my videos (sorry they aren't really that long, my memory stick was filling up and I didn't want to waste space)...



Firstly the champion driving stallion, the knee action of this guy was amazing.



Cossack rider.



The Bolddog freestyle display team, yes, that IS a lorry he's jumping over.



And part of the sheepdog trials, just missing the target the time I took the shot. Ah well.

So, that's all, enjoy!

[Freedom]

Looks like you had a lot of fun! I can't believe how many different items were included! I've spent 3 days at sheep dog trials, can't imagine having that AND all these other things. I'd be overwhelmed!

The middle Gypsy Vanner looks like one huge horse, wow!

I wouldn't want to be sitting at that picnic table when the horse is jumping it, he he.

Thanks so much for taking the time to take, sort and post all these wonderful photos for us!

[cyber-sibes]

That looks like a glorious show! So much variety- thanks for taking the time to post all your pictures, I really enjoyed them.

[Almita]

looks like you had a great time zara. Anytime you want, you can send those rain clouds over here to me please! . great pictures, very glad you shared.

[Alysser]

Great pics, zara! What a fun show to watch. The driving Welsh horse is absolutely gorgeous. I've always loved those type of horses. Whether it's their leg feathers or overpowering appearences, I don't know, but they are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!!

[Miss Z]

Thanks, everyone! And Almita, I'll do my best to send some rain your way *shoos rain clouds*