A new and exciting equine area will feature as part of the Glendale Agricultural Society’s 2016 Children’s Countryside Day, taking place on Thursday 9th June.
The annual event which is held at the traditional Glendale Show site, near Wooler, will see over 1,500 children attend to learn and explore aspects of agriculture and the countryside. The introduction of an equine area is a first for the event and is certain to be very popular.
The dedicated equine area will include exhibits from Bedmax Shavings and Kelso Races, who are also bringing a mechanical horse for children to have a go. Marshall Meadows Shire Horses will display the role of heavy horses along with a real mare and foal, and there will also be live demonstrations including; Farriery by Graeme Smith AwcF and Equine Dentistry by Nicole Reed EQDT.
Nicole, Equine Dental Technician EQDT, said: “I am delighted to be part of this inspirational educational day for children. This is an event that I know so many children will remember for the rest of their lives and will without a doubt leave them with a much better understand as to what the countryside has to offer in terms of activity, food and future careers.
“Horses and the equine industry are an important part of rural life and through this newly established equine area, the children will learn about the different elements of this important industry,. I am sure that not many of the children will realise that horses like themselves have to have a dentist!”
Equestrianism is an extremely popular and healthy activity for people of all ages. A diverse and family friendly sport, it is no surprise that the equine industry is growing. With approximately 2.7 million riders in the UK, and worth £8 billion, it is a significant part of the rural economy. It is also a large contributor of the Glendale Show which runs over 40 horse and pony classes attracting hundreds of entries.
Commenting on the introduction of an Equine Area, Event Co-ordinator Philippa Shell, said: “The focus of the Children’s Countryside Day is to educate children on farming and the countryside, and today, the equine industry is a huge part of rural life. The equine area is a fantastic addition to the Children’s Countryside Day with some hugely informative live demonstrations and exhibits.
“For many of the children who attend the event, this is often the only time in their lives that they actually experience rural life and so it’s really important to give them a day to remember, so they can go home and tell their friends and family what they have learned.”
Further information about Glendale Agricultural Society and the Children’s Countryside Day can be found on www.glendaleshow.com. Any local businesses interested in sharing their knowledge with the children, or anyone who would like to be involved as a steward at the Children’s Countryside Day can contact Philippa Shell on 01668283868 or via email philippa@glendaleshow.co.uk.