OVERALL entries have increased on the year for this weekend’s National Stallion Show, which is set to take place at a new venue in Ayrshire on Saturday, March 3. 

Organised by the Glasgow Agricultural Society and to be held at Morris Equestrian, Fenwick, the event will welcome a larger show of Highland and Shetland ponies compared to 2017, while Clydesdales are back slightly and the re-introduced Mountain and Moorland section boasts 18 entries. 

“It’s looking like a good entry across the boards and is gearing up to be a great show,” said the newly elected GAS chairman, Jimmy Steel, of the Jackton Clydesdale stud near East Kilbride. “It really is the pinnacle of shows and a showcase for the rest of the year as you can pick a stallion to suit your needs, or spot future show winners.”

With the Clydesdale breed often considered the main event, the 71 entries will start strutting their stuff at 10.30am and will see the females paraded in front of Jim Greenhill, Upper Tulloes, and Alistair King, of the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, while judging the males with be Yvonne Hanna, of the Northern Irish Macfin stud, and Jim Ingram, from Drumoak. Acting as umpire as well as judge of the gelding and young handlers classes will be Allan Craig. 

Willie Nelson, of the Glenmuir stud near Barr, Girvan, is the man in charge of placing the 28 Highland ponies while Mrs Sandra Seward, Grogwynion, and Miss Di Johnston, Parlington Stud, will place the largest of the sections, the 145-strong entry of standard and miniature Shetland ponies, respectively. Placing the M and M entries will be Ms Pat Rennie, of the Lomondside Stud, Drymen. These sections also kick off at 10.30am. 

All sections will take place undercover at Morris Equestrian, which features a bar and restaurant with views to every ring. Entry costs £10 for the general public with members of the GAS and children under 12 going free.