Preparations for the Great Yorkshire Show are well underway including new investment in show jumping

Great British Life: Show jumping Olympic medallist Graham FletcherShow jumping Olympic medallist Graham Fletcher (Image: Kate Mallender)

Major work to raise show jumping facilities up to international levels is taking place at the Great Yorkshire Showground. Show jumping legend Graham Fletcher has backed the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s investment of £70,000 to improve conditions in the collecting ring.

The two-month project will see half the ring feature an Olympic standard, state of the art all-weather synthetic riding surface provided by Andrews Bowen. It will be the most scientifically researched surface, developed for the London 2012 Olympics and is endorsed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale.

Graham Fletcher, Olympic medallist, who’s originally from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is part of the show jumping committee formed by YAS to ensure facilities are of a world-class standard. ‘The Great Yorkshire Show is the best in the country and it’s always been an event that’s very close to my heart,’ he said.

‘Any of the riders coming to the show for the first time this summer will be totally impressed. If the show committee wanted to run an international show it would have all the facilities needed for international classes once this work is carried out.’

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: ‘This represents a significant investment in facilities at the showground to ensure we’re at the top of our game. The main ring is the leading grass ring in the country and we want to invest in its collecting ring to bring it up to the same standard ready for the next Great Yorkshire Show. We want to continue to attract some of the world’s top riders with their best horses and maintain a first class reputation.’

Meanwhile TV stunt horses which starred in popular dramas Poldark, Peaky Blinders and Victoria will make their debut at the Great Yorkshire Show this year. East Yorkshire-based Atkinson Action Horses will wow crowds with their combination of stunts and tricks in the main ring each day of the show.

Look out too for a new street food court, adjacent to the president’s lawn, selling a range of local and international cuisine as well as a gin and prosecco bar. Show director Charles Mills said agriculture remains at the heart of the show which is the largest of its kind in England.

Tickets for the show which takes place July 11th-13th at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate are on sale now. Go to greatyorkshireshow.co.uk for more information