Entries open for Saintfield District Show
Lawson family generously hosting the show again at Glenbrook Farm
The Saintfield District Show Committee are delighted to be able to run the show again in 2025. The Lawson family have generously agreed to host the show at Glenbrook Farm (12 Lough Road, Lisburn, BT27 6US) on Saturday, June 21.
The show, now in its 80th year, has a great history of showcasing all things Agricultural and Equestrian to the local Co Down community.
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The schedule and entry forms are now online at saintfieldshow.co.uk and any queries can be sent by email to the secretary Alison Cleland at secretary@saintfieldshow.co.uk or by ringing 07821 588390. The closing date for entries is Saturday, June 14!
Entry to the show is £10 per person payable in cash at the gate, children under 14 are free.
There will be the usual variety of craft and trade stands, along with Children’s entertainment, petting farm etc. A new addition to the show this year is the Hobby Horse classes – open to everyone, enter on the day - with prizes for all entrants. Also now a regular favourite, NI Lawnmower Racing Association will be holding races throughout the day.
Once again, Spa Young Farmers have also kindly agreed to help on the day of the show and in organising the Wacky Races competitions, which will consist of Tug of War, Wellie throwing, Carry the Barrel etc. The show would welcome any help from any of the other local young farmers’ groups – many hands make light work! And they are also very welcome to join in with the competitions.
Gourley’s Bar, Ballygowan will be providing liquid refreshment for anyone lucky enough to have a designated driver, and Country Harmony will be playing throughout the afternoon beside the bar area.
The Committee would also like to thank all the local businesses who have sponsored various sections throughout the show. Particular thanks must go to CES Quarry Products, who have been a very longstanding supporter of the show. As the main sponsor each year, they have played a huge part in keeping the show running – particularly through difficult financial times.
Ponies
The Pony Section at Saintfield Show will offer a large array of classes, which will cater to everyone. The in-hand classes are a great opportunity to show off young stock and to introduce them to a friendly show atmosphere.
The supreme championship is very kindly sponsored by Ponease and the champion and reserve will receive sashes, rosettes and produce from Ponease. The ridden ponies offer classes ranging from lead rein and family pony to show ponies and Connemaras. There is sure to be a class for everyone.
Organisers are thrilled to have a great range of sponsors on board again this year including Danescroft Equestrian, Glebe Equine, Clare-Maria Equine and KRM Equine Services, who are sponsoring various championships throughout the day. Organisers are hoping the numerous championships will create a fantastic line up for the ultimate supreme championship at the end of the day. Tree Fellows have kindly sponsored £100 cash prize for the supreme champion.
Working Hunter
The Working Hunter section is offering a large number of classes for 2025 and will continue to be in the newer location on the flat in the middle of the Glenbrook Farm. There will be six pony classes from 50cm to 1m class, commencing at 10am. Followed by five horse classes from 70cm to 1.10m, including a Racehorse to Riding Horse class; these will follow the lunch break, not earlier than 1pm. David McClurg will again be the course builder.
Each class is divided into two sections. The first being over a course of natural jumps, which will sometimes contain a few hazards, i.e. plastic ducks in the water or maybe a sheepdog lurking. The second part is a show, which the judge may ask to be completed immediately after the jumping phase or they can select the clear rounds to come back into the ring - this all depends on the number of entries.
There will also be a Pony Championship and a Horse Championship, which involves the first and second placed ponies and horses from each class competing for the trophies.
Show jumping
This year’s show jumping classes are being run by Ardnacashel Equestrian. It will be a course of 12 show jumps. The Cross-Poles, 50cm and 60cm classes will not be timed – so just a fun, encouraging round for the kids. The 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, 1m and 1.10m classes will be against the clock from fence eight to 12 and it will be the fastest clear that wins.
Home Industries
There will be the usual selection of craft and baking classes open to both children and adults. Rosettes will be awarded in each class and prize money paid out on the day. There really is something for everyone to enter – and to tie in with the new hobby horse attraction this year, there is a class for designing your own hobby horse!
Donkeys
There will be a variety of showing and fun classes. The classes are open to any donkeys and the fancy dress class at the end is usually a great attraction.
Cobs
Saintfield District Show is the only TGCA-affiliated agricultural show in NI. Winners of the Cob section will qualify for TOYS in England.
Heavy horse section
There will be a ridden Clydesdale class, with a number of different in-hand classes. Bertie Hanna will be the judge.
Miniature horses
Showing and fun classes for all to enter.
Family pet section
These will be fun classes, which can be entered on the day. There will be rosettes for all entrants.
Poultry
Thankfully, the lifting of the Avian Flu restrictions means the poultry classes will be able to run this year. There are a great number of classes to enter and a wide range of rosettes and cups to be won.
Rabbits and Cavies
This year, there will be a display of rabbits and cavies from the McKibbin family.
Pigs
The pig classes will exhibit a great display of rare breed pigs. The highlight will, as always, be the young handler classes, where kids as young as six show how well they can present their pig in the ring. There will also be an opportunity for any kids spectating to have a go showing a pig – and this is always very popular. Classes start at 11am.
Cattle
There will be the usual selection of Cattle classes this year, with a variety of cups up for grabs. Again young handler is a very popular class.
Sheep
This year, there will be 12 breed classes. One of the biggest highlights of the Sheep Section is the Saintfield Show Young Handlers’ competition, with two classes – 8-11 years old (Primary) and 12-16 years old (Secondary).
Be sure to mark Saturday, June 21 in your diary and pay a visit to Saintfield Show!