Farming, Food and Family Fun
About Moreton Show
ABOUT
Moreton Show was first held in 1949, on the same site it has occupied ever since – part of the Batsford Estate – although it has been much extended over the years
Its underlying purpose is to improve the standard of farming and farm crafts locally. This zeal for improvement was at the core of the three societies which merged to form the present Moreton-in-Marsh & District Agricultural and Horse Show Society – the Cotswold Agricultural Society, The Moreton Shire Horse Society and the Moreton-in-Marsh and District Agricultural Society. The inaugural meeting decided the objects of the Society should be to improve the breeding and rearing of livestock, hunters and heavy horses and the standard of farming and farm crafts, with a show to be held each year in September. The date of the first ever show was fixed for Saturday September 3rd and the show has been held in early September ever since. The Show has now grown so large that it attracts visitors from all over the country, however it remains true to the foundations of which it was started. One becomes more aware of this aspect with the various farm and crop competitions that go on almost continuously throughout the year. The show is by no means a one day a year phenomenon.
The remarkable thing about Moreton Show, and something that is not commonly known, is how many volunteers are involved, not just on Show Day, but throughout the whole year. In a way it is this joint effort that makes the Show have a different feel to some of the other bigger shows. There is a real sense of the whole community coming together to enjoy a day out and share interests and experiences.
The Moreton Show aims to promote horses through education and competition. Horses have been an important part of the Moreton Show for many generations. The show offers a diverse range of classes in recognition of the many types of horses within the county but remains true to the heart of the Society with many Hunters and Heavy Horses in attendance. There is a chance for visitors to witness a real showcase of equestrian life, with ShowJumping, Arena eventing and Farriery competitions running throughout the day.
The Moreton Show aims to promote horses through education and competition.
The agricultural education mission is still a major part of the society today and the show provides a platform for livestock farmers to let members of the public, their ultimate customers, see their animals turned out to such a high standard that it is obvious to see how loved and cared for they are, it gives visitors a chance to see the animals not only in the ring but up close in the livestock lines, where they can also talk to the breeders and ask questions.
Lots of equestrian activities and plenty to look at. Parking attendants were very friendly and efficient. The members’ area was well laid out with plenty of seating. The catering was excellent with good food, friendly and helpful staff. Cannot find fault with this show.
Steve
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Have you ever watched a livestock class being judged and wondered what the judges are looking for?
As in any beauty contest, or ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ or ‘The X Factor’ for that matter, judgements are to some extent subjective – beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. But certain criteria will always apply:
- The animals must be structurally sound in every respect, so as to function well as a breeding animal (primestock animals are judged on their meat producing quality). Things like udder shape in females and genitalia in males are important! All must demonstrate ability to walk well and forage as grazing animals.
Renowned for it’s friendly approach.
- Beef and dairy breeds differ in the requirements for their conformation; clearly beef animals need to transmit good meat producing qualities to their offspring, while dairy animals are about producing lots of milk!
- There are breed-specific traits which judges will be looking at – colour, coat, degree of muscling, even the shape of horns in some breeds.
- Size (particularly length) in beef animals should not be ignored: in many breeds a good big ‘un will nearly always beat a good little ‘un.
Member of The Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO)
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secretary@moretonshow.co.uk
01608 651908
Moreton-in-Marsh Agricultural and Horse Show Society is a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England No. 2397134; Registered Charity No. 900122.
Registered Office: Moreton Show Office, 5 Wychwood Court, London Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos, GL56 0JQ