One of the highlights marking the bicentenary of the BUAS will be a fabulous History of the Horse pageant showcasing the many roles the horse has played in work, leisure and war.
The first of its kind, the pageant will take place in the main ring on Saturday at 1pm and has been developed to appeal to both adults and children.
It will tell the story of the horse through the ages, starting with the Romans and their horse-drawn chariots, and including the Border Reiving days, the horse back hunters with birds of prey, the Lord and Lady of the Manor’s coach and horse, and the times of the notorious Highwaymen.
The pageant will also feature the horse’s important role in the Borders countryside from assisting the working shepherd to the part the heavy horses played in agriculture.
One topical element featured in the pageant will be the role horses played in the First World War, a subject highlighted through recent movies, including the epic War Horse. The display will culminate with a look at the varied present day roles of the horse.
Featuring thrilling stunt riding by Jedburgh-based Les Amis d’Onno, accompanied by music by The Lowland Band and narrated by ‘The Voice of the Tattoo’ Alasdair Hutton. the History of the Horse is set to be a visual and auditory spectacle not to be missed.
Ann Fraser, co-ordinator of the Pageant said: “The Borders is known as Scotland’s Horse Country due to its association with the horse and the part it has played in its history and culture over the centuries.
“It seems entirely appropriate that the role of the horse should be celebrated as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Border Union Show.
“I hope that the pageant will be both memorable and enjoyable for show visitors of all ages”
FRIDAY PROGRAMME
The times below are correct at the time of printing but may be altered at the discretion of the directors and depending on the number of entries forward .
8am: M & M Novice Working Hunter Ponies. Roxburgh Ring.
8.30am: Riding Ponies In-Hand. Teviot Ring 1
Native Ponies under Saddle & Part Bred Ponies. Teviot Ring 2
Welsh Ponies. Teviot Ring 3
Native Ponies In-hand. Teviot Ring 4
Coloured Horses. West Ring
Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifiers. Main Ring .
10am: M & M Working Hunter Ponies (approx time) Roxburgh Ring
11am: Highland Ponies In-Hand. (approx. time) Teviot Ring 1 .
11.30am: Highland Ponies Ridden. (approx. time) Teviot Ring 1.
Noon: WHP Ponies. (approx. time) Roxburgh Ring
1pm: M & M Novice Ridden. (approx. time) Teviot Ring 1
Veteran Horses. (approx. time) Teviot Ring 3
Hunter Pony Breeding. (approx. time) Teviot Ring 4
Pony Club Team Jumping. (approx. time) Main Ring.
1.30pm: Heavy Horse Turnout (approx. time) West Ring
Industrial Section Judging Commences .
2.30pm: Show Hunter Ponies. (approx. time) Roxburgh Ring .
3pm: GRAND CHILDREN’S PET SHOW .
4pm: Industrial Marquee open to public .
6pm: Evening Goat Milking.
SATURDAY PROGRAMME
The times below are correct at the time of printing but may be altered at the discretion of the directors and depending on the number of entries forward.
8am: Ridden Hunters. Main Ring .
8.30am: Hunters In-Hand. Teviot Ring.
Riding Horses. West Ring.
Horse Shoeing .
9am: Galloway followed by Continental Beef Breeds
9.30am:Aberdeen Angus followed by Native Breeds followed by Limousin.
Young Handlers judging will be at the completion of the Cattle Classes.
Sheep & Dairy Goats.
Carriage Driving. Roxburgh Ring
10am: Clydesdale Horses followed by Shires. Teviot Ring.
Poultry.
Rabbits.
Side Saddle. (approx. time) West Ring .
10.30am: Shepherds’ Crooks. Sheep Lines.
Noon Retraining of Racehorses. (approx. time) Teviot Ring.
Decorated Harness. Teviot Ring .
12.30pm: Hunter Championship. Main Ring .
12.45pm: The Lowland Band, the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
1pm: Sheep Interbreed Championship .
1pm: History of the Horse Pageant.
1.15pm: Beef Cattle interbreed championship. Cattle Rings
1.30pm: Donkeys. Teviot Ring.
Young Farmers’ Clubs Stock-Judging. (approx. time, immediately after the Sheep Inter-Breed)
1.40pm: The Locheil Marching Drill Team Main Ring.
2pm: Bolddogs “Lings” Freestyle Team Main Ring.
2.30pm: The Lowland Band, the Royal Regiment of Scotland Main Ring.
2.45pm: The Grand Parade of Livestock Main Ring.
3pm: Cattle Team Interbreed Main Ring .
3.25pm: Champion of Champions Main Ring.
3.45pm: Carriage Driving Championships Main Ring.
4.10pm: Memorial Flight Flypast ( Weather permitting )
4.15pm: The Locheil Marching Drill Team Main Ring.
4.35pm: Bolddogs “Lings” Freestyle Team Main Ring.
5.05pm: Retreat : The Lowland Band, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Kelso Pipe Band. Main Ring.
Throughout both days
Food Fair – Exhibition Hall Sheep Show – Countryside Area
Story of Wool – Block 1weed from source to sea- Block 1
Laithe Turning Drystone Walling Kelso Pipe Band Wooler Junior Steel Band.
Children’s Entertainment – both days
Fun Fair, Face Painting, Crazy Bears and Climbing Wall