Nine horse-showing qualifiers are set to take place at this year's Hertfordshire County Show.
The event will take place on May 27 and 28 at the Hertfordshire County Showground, near Redbourn.
The qualifiers will take place for the The London International Horse Show, as part of a new initiative to spread the qualifiers across 45 locations.
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The qualifiers which are set to take place at the Hertfordshire County Showground include:
SATURDAY
- Rising Star of Ridden Hunter Type
- Rising Star Working Show Horse
- Rising Star of Working Hunter Type
- BSPS Junior Performance Pony
- BSPS Performance Pony not exceeding 148cms
- BSPS Performance Pony not exceeding 158cms
SUNDAY
- BSPS Heritage Lead Rein Working Sports Pony
- BSPS Open Cradle Stakes
- BSPS Open Nursery Stakes
Paul Cook, of the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), said: "One of the reasons for launching this new series was to bring Showing to a wider audience and increase the number of Agricultural and County Shows that hold equestrian classes, which has sadly been diminishing in the last few years.
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"These shows between them have an audience of over half a million, which definitely helps us to achieve our aim of finding a route to present equestrian Showing to new audiences.”
Nigel Hollings of the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) added: "We are determined to make these classes an enjoyable experience for competitors and the watching public alike by requiring the commentators to explain to the audience what the judges are looking for and why one horse or pony may win points over others.
"This will present Showing in a new light and make it much more accessible and entertaining.”
Lastly, Paul Hooper from the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) commented: "We are delighted that so many Shows have come forward to apply to be a part of this new series and are particularly pleased with the wide geographical spread of the participating shows.
"This demonstrates that there is a strong demand from show organisers and therefore the public to see equestrian Showing classes in their local events.”
Tickets for the Hertfordshire County Show can be purchased via the event's website, www.hertsshow.com.
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