What's happening in the main ring of the Gower Show?

Display Ring Attractions – 2011

The President’s Display Ring hosts a number of different events and entertainment features throughout the day. This year’s programme is packed full of great displays to entertain all age groups. Here are just some of the things we can look forward to.

Dogs, once again will feature prominently this year. On show will be a variety of dogs that are highly trained and enjoy their work. There will be a variety of interesting displays throughout the day illustrating the many aspects of the dog’s wonderful relationship with man. Whether they are working, dancing, gun or sporting dogs, watch them 'work' in complete harmony with their handlers. It is obvious how much they all really enjoy everything they are doing.

South Wales Police Dog Team

Back again this year, by very popular demand, we are delighted to welcome South Wales Police Dog Team. They will be showing us a selection of the special skills needed for their partnership and teamwork. This will be a high energy, action packed display, (only on in the afternoon), and a unique opportunity to see them in action, they will only perform the once, and are not to be missed.

Top Lodge Dancing Dogs

A fantastic opportunity to see the Top Lodge Dancing Dogs on their first visit to this part of Wales, so please come along and show your support. Dogs, dancing and music - The Top Lodge Trio is a group of three of the top handlers in Europe with their wonderful dogs who will show us “Heelwork to Music” at the very highest standard. Kath, Karen and Lesley have all won at Crufts, and Kath is also a World Champion in Heelwork to Music. We will see the dog and handler team performing to the beat of music with graceful and intricate movements performed with precision and artistry.
You will be amazed at the partnership between dog and handler.

For more information about Top Lodge Dancing dogs please visit their website where you can read all about this new, and fast growing, canine sport, and view some fantastic pictures of the dogs and video clips to see what we can look forward to – www.dancingdogs.co.uk

Rexon Performing Ponies

We are also really delighted to welcome to Gower for their first visit, The Rexon Performing Ponies. They are a family team made up of Rachael Grylls, Kaylee Blight and their ponies, including the multi-champion, (and TV star!) 19 year old, Welsh Cob stallion Trevarth Black Lad.
For the past five years, the Rexon team have developed an extremely strong bond of trust with their team of ponies, proving that with kindness, patience and understanding anything can be achieved. They now perform fabulous displays to music. Team manager, Patsy Grylls, helps choreograph the shows, and also designs and makes the elaborate costumes that the girls wear.
Rexon Performing Ponies initially started out by giving performances from their home in Lewdown, Devon to raise money for various charities. However, very quickly, they were in demand up and down the Country, and they have delighted many with their routines showing what can be achieved with kindness and respect. Please come along and give them all a huge Gower Show welcome.
You can find out more about the team at www.rexonstud.co.uk

Fiery Jack Circus Workshop

Fiery Jack will return again this year with his circus workshops. He was certainly kept very busy last Gower Show day and we are delighted to have him join us again. He will be running circus workshops throughout the day where he will teach you juggling and magic. There will be stilt walking, and sure to be a number of other tricks up his sleeve! Visit his websites www.fjack.co.uk or www.firejoust.co.uk for a taste of what you can expect.

Shire Horse Class Display

Following a very successful return of Shire Horse’s to last year’s show, we will again be welcoming these magnificent animals into the President’s Display Ring. This will be a chance to get a close look at them and fully appreciate their size and grandeur. We will see them parade for their showing classes and watch the judge examine each competitor before choosing his Champion.

Gun Dog Display

Steve Jones and his team will be putting his working dogs though their paces and explaining what is involved in the training of these tireless workers.

Falconry

We are delighted to welcome back Ben Long and his beautiful birds. Ben will be flying his magnificent birds in the display ring and explaining a little about what is involved in training these wonderful birds of prey. Ben will also have a stand at the show where you will be able to visit and get a really good look at the birds and chat with him to find out more about working with these wonderful birds. Ben has been at the Gower Show for the last couple of years and this year hopes to fly his birds higher than ever before – it has involved applying for a special licence! (Weather conditions permitting of course!) Come along and see if he manages to do this challenge!

Terrier Racing

This has been a great way to start and end the day’s entertainment in the President’s Display Ring! It seems to end up causing much hilarity and is great fun to watch. After a short demo by some real experts you will be very welcome to enter your dog (whatever breed!) to see how they get on!

Private Drive Class Display

This year The Private Drive Display will be taking place in the main horse arena at approx 3.15pm. This will be an opportunity to see, tradition and true elegance with a larger ring this year enabling the exhibitors to show off their entries for the judge Mr R Taylor, Pontyclun. These classes are open to entry and we hope for a good turnout to support this of this section. We can expect the carriages to be traditional vehicles, (or very good reproductions) and they can range from two-wheel gigs and Dog Carts, to four-wheel Phaetons and Ralli Cars. Black patent harness is most usually seen in this class, and carriages should be fully equipped with a spares kit and carriage lamps. Turnout for the driver is extremely smart, with gentlemen wearing Morning Suits and Top Hats, and ladies wearing a vast array of attractive outfits with matching hats! Please come along to show your support for the hard work the exhibitors put into turning out a pony for this section.

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