TOP class horses are set to take part in this year's Royal Bath and West Show. 

The show, which is held from May 30 until June 1, will include various equine championships, such as the Price Family In-Hand Championship, and competitions.

Competitions at the event, which is at the showground in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, include the heavy horses and light horses competitions; scurry competition; shoeing competition and show jumping competition. 

Jane Cooper, chairman of the horse committee, said: "I always look forward to the championships most.

“On the Friday afternoon we will have the final of the Price Family In-Hand Championship.  People come far and wide for it, even from Newmarket, and the winner of the competition will be going on to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

“It is therefore a very prestigious event, as only a few horses go on to HOYS. We will also have some of the best ridden hunters competing in the main ring on Friday morning, which can also qualify for HOYS.

“We will have some top-class horses this year, with winners from major shows taking part. This includes the Price Supreme Champion 2023, a bay mare called Royal Stage. She was bred locally by one of our very own committee members, Virginia Russell-Wood, and shown by Jeff Grace.

“On the Saturday there will be a variety of new pony classes for young people. This will be aimed at riders between four and 20 years old, with classes to suit everybody. This includes three HOYS ridden mountain and moorland classes, and new this year is an amateur mountain and moorland class and one for mini jockeys.

“The entries are beginning to come in, but there is always a last-minute rush, so it is exciting to see what the competitions will be like.”

For equine showing schedules, click here. 

Jacqueline Webb is an experienced equine judge who will be looking for the winners this year. 

“I’m obviously looking for the best exhibits I can find,” she said. 

“I will be looking out for animals that catch the eye and have a good walk. They should shout at you that they are the breed standard and exhibit all the right traits and characteristics of that particular breed. I am also looking for the correct attire on the handlers and riders, as well as the correct saddles and bridles on the horses and ponies.

“The Bath and West entries are normally very good. So, I am definitely looking forward to it.”