Glendale Show Welcomes Donkeys
This year Donkey’s will be added to the Glendale Show’s schedule for the first time ever. The 120th show will welcome the equine species not so often in the limelight to enjoy a day’s outing and some competitive spirit. This is the only show in Northumberland that is exhibiting donkeys in 2012.
Coordinating the Class is Lorraine Rae of North Northumberland who has owned Donkey’s for almost 25 years and she explains why Donkey’s are such lovable creatures and outlines just what will be required of them when it comes to show day.
“Donkey’s have big personalities and a much higher intelligence than some people think, their stubbornness comes from this intelligence as they are often wary of things that are new.”
“The Glendale Show is a really traditional show that the British Donkey Society is really looking forward to being a part of it”.
Donkeys compete within, in-hand classes where they are assessed on their confirmation, movement and type. The show is expecting miniature donkeys and standard donkeys but no mammoth donkeys (over 14 hands high) have been entered.
The Judge, Mrs Rosemary Clark is one of the most experienced in the country and will be set the task of picking the winners of the classes and the overall champion.
“Last year we had a fantastic turnout for the Kelso Show and we are hoping for the same numbers at Glendale. We have a number of Champion entries coming from across the North East and it is great to see a few novice entries as well from those just getting involved in the Donkey Society”.
Show Secretary, Rachael Smith welcomed the Donkey Classes to this year’s show,
“We are delighted to have the Donkey’s involved in this year’s show. Because they are an animal with such personality and a bit of attitude we know that the crowd will love watching the Donkey Classes. There is nothing more amusing for the spectators or more frustrating for an owner than their donkey putting the brakes on and deciding they just are not too sure about moving forward”.
All of the classes have been sponsored by both local and national companies, including J Barbour & Sons, Country Folk Clothing Bamburgh, Strawberry Bay Clothing Company and Country House Gifts and Gallery Bamburgh. Trophies have been kindly donated by Mrs G Burton, Mrs E Donnelly and Mr and Mrs J W Rae.
The Glendale Show to be held on August Bank Holiday Monday is the largest rural event in North Northumberland; the Donkey Classes are another highlight for the show which has over 200 trade stands, sheep, goat, equine and cattle classes. In addition this year, there will be a huge welcome for the Shetland Pony Grand National Qualifier being held within the main ring.
Anyone wishing to enter their donkey should visit www.glendaleshow.com or telephone the show office on 01668 283 868 for a schedule.
