All Change At The Royal!

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire: Royal Show organisers have announced changes across the Show's equine classes including the introduction of the equestrian circuit's biggest prize pot for its new supreme in-hand champion. The action starts on Sunday, June 29.

The introduction of the Royal Show's new day, a Sunday, means event organisers have had more flexibility this year to re-organise classes.Changes include scheduling of all ridden children's pony classes to take place on the more convenient weekend day and the integration of equine arena 2 into the showing programme, changing the ring's previous role from being show jumping-only.

Competitors and visitors will also notice the introduction of a number of classes including a ridden Irish Draught and a new agricultural heavy horse turnout class to compliment the already popular singles turnouts.

One of the highlights of the show will be new championships carrying substantial prize money. These include the mountain & moorland, heavy horse, in-hand light horse and supreme in-hand horse or pony championships - the latter, sponsored by HorseHage, carrying a hefty top prize of £1000 - the season's biggest single prize on the in-hand showing circuit.

Horse of the Year (HOYS) qualifiers for the ridden mountain and moorland will also be taking place, and moving from the Royal from HOYS, will be the SEIB/BEF young horse evaluation series finals.

Karen Pearson, equine specialist at the Royal Show said: "The new Sunday start to the show has allowed organisers to make some positive changes to the programme. It's early days but so far we've received a good response, and competitors are looking forward to June."

The Royal Show takes places this year Sunday June 29 - Wednesday July 2 2003. Visitors can save up £4 off Royal Show tickets when buying in advance. Call 0870 366 544 or click on www.royalshow.org.uk

.