PERSISTENT drizzle hovered over Cutcombe Show Show – and there was a sad note, too, as one of Mountain and Moorland section founders, Jacky Ablett of the Tawbitts Stud, had died only a few days before.
However, a Tawbitts bred pony bred by Jacky, Tawbitts Tosca, won the M&M Overall Championship and is pictured with Sheralee Matravers.
The show, at Dunkery Hill Gate, is ultimately for the benefit of the school, village and the local community.
This year, the organisers took a different approach to the jumping classes, and ran slightly more advanced ‘clear round’ sections, with the traditional three clear rounds entitling competitors to enter a jump-off but with improved prize money.
A handy pony ring was introduced and was kept very busy, as was the popular dog show, run by Kevin and Jenny Snewing with prizes given by sponsors the Pet Centre in Alcombe.
Minehead Harriers paraded on foot and were joined in the ring by children.
The afternoon was kicked off by the fancy dress competition followed by the gymkhana with many little riders in the youngest age group taking part. These games were helped along by a team of stewards and Marcus Capel’s entertaining commentary!
Vicky Kirby and the parents of Cutcombe School provided a wide variety of home-made refreshments for the general public while Mandy Snell stood in to do the catering for the judges, stewards and helpers.
The show organisers wish to thank them and Harold and Phyllis Stevens for their help and allowing use of their fields – and all the supporters who helped set up the show, working hard on the day and helped clear up afterwards.
Results in this week’s Free Press (July 6).