For the first time in Fife Show history an Irish coursebuilder is being brought to Cupar, adding a new dimension to the fierce showjumping competition in the Kinloss Estate arenas.
In something of a “one-off ”, FEI-level international designer James Tarrant, from Tralee, in County Kerry, will create a fresh new challenge for the riders.
His attendance has been made possible as a result of sponsorship from tack and clothing suppliers Fosterton Equine & Pet, from nearby Leslie.
Adding to an already packed schedule of showjumping classes comes the introduction, for the first time at Fife, of two BS club classes giving rise to 80cm and 90cm competition.
“It’s hugely exciting and really something of a coup to have the courses designed and built by Mr Tarrant,” said Sandra Low-Mitchell, of the Balcormo Stud, Leven, who has helped to organise the competition.
“We’ve added 80cm and 90cm classes for 2014 for the first time, too and with classes right up to 1m30 and four Royal Highland Show qualifying classes on offer, there really will be something for everyone at this year’s show,” explained Sandra.
“It will be a brilliant competition.”
This year all seven BS classes have attracted strong sponsorship, with prizes in kind at BS club level and prize money for each of the feature classes, courtesy of Innes Johnston Solicitors, Hutchinson Networks, Eden Veterinary Practice, Copland Construction and Kim Hood and Gary Hood Farriers.
Sponsorship from the Dean Park Hotel Kirkcaldy, Taxi Travel, Kilmaron Electrical and Balcormo Equestrian will also enable each Royal Highland Show qualifying class winner to leave the arena with an embroidered rug as a top prize.
Sponsored by Cairnie Fruit Farm, the 80cm and 90cm classes are expected to be full.
As a result, entries for these classes will be accepted as pre-entry only, and limited on a first-come first-served basis of 30 horse-and-rider combinations.
BS Club entries should be sent to S Low-Mitchell, Balcormo, Leven, Fife, KY8 5QF.
Entries to the 1m10 open, H&H Foxhunter (incorporating the Andrew Hamilton Coach RHS Foxhunter championship qualifier), Aurora Hotels RHS championship qualifier, Power and Performance RHS Grade C qualifier and Fife Show 1m30 open (incorporating the James Smith Fencing RHS Young Masters championship qualifier) will be taken on the day.
Fife Show is on Saturday, May 24, at Kinloss House, Cupar.