This year’s event has plenty for horse lovers to enjoy including a heavy horse display and equine elegance from the Yeguada Lago Spanish Horses as Helen Stiles discovers
Horses of all shapes and sizes will be at Buckham Fair on 17 August, including Martin Clunes’ magnificent heavy horses Ronnie and Bruce. This charismatic pair of Clydesdales featured in their own TV show. They love meeting the crowds at this fundraising fair which is hosted by the Clunes family on their farm just outside Beaminster. In fact there is something of a Heavy Horse theme this year, as Tim Ancrum will be doing his ‘History of the Clydesdale’ display which takes the Clydesdale from a working farm horse through to the dressage arena. Heavy horses doing dressage? Yes really! I’m sure that Ronnie and Bruce will be watching to see if they can pick up a few tips!
If you’re looking for some true equine elegance then you’ll love the Yeguada Lago Spanish Horses. They will be performing their ‘Horses of Kings’ display. These beautiful horses, which are based at Corscombe, regularly feature in national, international and Olympic competitions.
Any budding William Fox Pitts or Mary Kings can show off their talents at the gymkhana. But my favourite event has to be the Pony Fancy Dress, which is judged by keen horsewoman and equine fashion guru Philippa Clunes. Last years’ entries included a pony dressed as The Gruffalo, Batman with Bathorse and a dragon horse with furry slippers! If you’re interested in taking part in any of the pony events you can find entry forms and a list of classes on the Buckham Fair website (buckhamfair.co.uk).
For little ones wanting their first taste of the equine world, the Clunes’ gang of miniature Shetlands offer a safe and memorable first experience in the saddle. Alongside the horse and pony event will be the usual Buckham Fair doggy stuff it is so famous for - waggiest tail, Rescue Dog of the Year, TV stunt dogs and agility. Plus there’s a fabulous funfair, local food and craft stalls and a wonderful tea tent full of homemade cakes! And best of all, this wonderful event raises money for a local charity the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.
For more details visit buckhamfair.co.uk.
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Buckham Sponsorship ‘packages’ range from £25 to £1000.
Corporate Sponsors:
£1,000: Be a key partner with Dorset magazine. Opportunity to judge ‘Sponsor’s Dog Class’ plus a personal quote in the magazine, a banner on display at the fair, a photo with Martin on the day for Dorset magazine’s Social Diary, a full page advert in Programme of Events & 10 tickets.
£250: Photo with Martin on the day for Dorset magazine’s Social Diary. Quarter page advert in Programme of Events & 3 tickets to Buckham Fair.
£100 Personal Sponsorship: Photo with Martin, lunch at the Judges’ Tent & 2 tickets to Buckham Fair.
£50 - £25 Local Businesses or Individuals: Sponsors listed in Programme of Events and given opportunity to advertise in the Programme of Events.
