The Cunningsburgh Show

The Cunningsburgh Show is an open show, ie anyone from anywhere in Shetland can enter.

We arrived early, very early, with some Bergli Stud ponies, as requested.

At 08:00, the show field was busy filling up with various agricultural entries.  Judging started at 09:00 in most sections.

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The Shetland pony ring started with a variety of riding classes.

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Ridden classes play a very important part in a Shetland pony Show and are not to be dismissed as insignificant.

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Bergli Stud had helpers, as well as Flossie and I, and we all spent as much time as possible in getting to know everyone we would be working with.

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There was no slacking.

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We each had a job and knew what to do – no, mine was not to steal the silver!

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My job was to take photographs and I was particularly enchanted by Julie Williamson of Benston Stud who very determinedly showed her ponies.

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Bless her, there were moments when we could only see 6 legs + 2 plus 4

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The judges in the Standard ring and the Miniature ring were kept busy.

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The majority of classes were well attended.

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Some lovely ponies were winning.

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After the majority of classes, I pottered around with my camera taking photos of anyone with a red rosette.

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At the Shetland Agricultural shows, there are classes for everything.

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Even potatoes on a plate!

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This is my favourite class.

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I think it sums the whole show up.

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By the afternoon, I was exhausted.  Everyone had worked very hard and the results were beginning to show.

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Anyone who had volunteered their help, was roped into showing.  Even Flossie (so proud ** sniff **)….

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and me (so going on a diet, *** sniff ***).

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At the end of the day Bergli Stud did very well.

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They deserved it.

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I doubt few can appreciate the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes – training, washing, more training, etc.

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Having won the Shetland Pony Championship and the Reserve Championship, then there was the Show Championship to go for.

Now it was a free for all……

Champion sheep.

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Champion Cow

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Champion Chicken

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Champion Dog

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They were all pitched against each other.

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And, guess what, Bergli Stud, won the Cunningsburgh Agricultural Show Champion trophy with Brunatwatt Madeleine Magic.

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A good day but an exhausting one.

And so to bed.  Floss and I were up at 06:00 and that is not normal, for me.

But, before I go to bed, I want to say that none of this would’ve been possible without Daisy and OH holding the fort (and Lambie’s hooves) at home as well as creating a delicious supper for us to come home to.  True teamwork.

Thank you everyone xx

7 thoughts on “The Cunningsburgh Show

  1. Ray Dunkley

    not sure who the Champion Chicken is but bloody hell 30 + years ago that would of been my vision of heaven
    now at 58 its just a distand dream to have a lady like this

    PS nice chicken as well

    looks like a good but tiering day was had

    Reply
  2. Rebecca Final

    What fabulous photographs. I would love to go to an agricultural show in Scotland. Here there are called Fairs – usually County or State Fairs, and it is so sad that they are slowly moving away from the livestock and into other totally unimportant things.

    The winning pony at your show is a stunner. How could they NOT choose that pony?

    Reply
  3. Sam

    Our Fair Season is just starting in Connecticut. I wish we had the silly faces made of veggies! And congrats to helpers and Bjorn for winning the top prize. I have a box of ribbons for my needlework from our local fair.
    And kudos to OH and Daisy for keeping the home fires at ready.

    Reply

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