- Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th September 2022
- 9am - 5pm
- South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex
This September, for the first time ever, the South of England Agricultural Society will host its Autumn Show & Game Fair in conjunction with the South of England International Horse Trials.
The newly named Autumn Show & International Horse Trials will take place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2022 and will still feature its renowned programme of countryside sports, displays, and ‘have-a-go’ activities to entertain the whole family, including their canine companions. The incredible addition this year though is the South of England International CCI*** and CCI** Horse Trials affiliated with the FEI and including British Eventing national classes.
This is the 15th anniversary of the trials, and the event attracts some of the top riders in the sport with over ten countries being represented across the weekend.
And as well as experiencing the thrill of watching riders at the top of their profession in the showjumping, dressage and cross-country phases, visitors can try their hand at fly fishing, archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting and more. There will be ferret racing, falconry and birds of prey displays throughout the weekend, as well as a dedicated zone for vintage vehicles. The beloved countryside event will still celebrate the harvest season including competitions and displays from local Women’s Institutes and Young Farmer’s Clubs.
There will also be plenty on offer for dog lovers from terrier racing and long dog displays to rare breed gundogs and working gundog displays, displays of bloodhounds on Saturday and the parade of hounds on Sunday in the main ring. There will even be exciting scurries where visitors’ own dogs can have a go!
Children are sure to love the activity trail, the farm animals in the animal barn, the funfair, pony rides and more. Plus, there will be mouth-watering food and drink stalls and superb shopping opportunities throughout the event.
The Society will continue their involvement in the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to celebrate their patron’s Platinum Jubilee with a display at the show on trees and information on the commemorative trees already planted at the showground.
Corrie Ince, Show Director for the South of England Agricultural Society, commented:
“Combining our Autumn Show with the South of England International Horse Trials is a very exciting move for us as a Society. It is not only an honour to host such a revered competition in the equine community, but it also enables us to offer our biggest autumn programme of activities to date, and all included in the one ticket price. Our focus is still very much on encouraging visitors of all ages - even the canine members of the family - to ‘have a go’ at the numerous countryside pursuits on offer but with the additional spectacle of the Horse Trials, the weekend is truly set to be an event not to be missed.
“Furthermore, we hope to remind everyone that the South of England Agricultural Society is in fact a charity. As such, any of the profits we make from the Autumn Show & International Horse Trials will help support people across the South East with an interest or involvement in agriculture and other land-based industries. From inspiring school children to learn about the land, to offering travel bursaries for people working in the farming sector or helping with funding towards agricultural research - when you buy a ticket you will also be doing your bit to help the future generation.”
The Autumn Show and International Horse Trials will take place between 9am and 5pm on 24th and 25th September. A full timetable of activities will be available to view online prior to the weekend. Tickets are available online and cost £12.60 for adults, £10.80 for senior citizens/students (inclusive of 10% online discount until 16.9.22 - under 16s go free (suggested donation of £2 for children aged 5-15).
