The Redwings Show, which has been held for over 10 years, was due to take place at its new home of Trinity Park, near Ipswich, on Sunday 12th July.
While the charity was originally hoping to be able to postpone the Show to a date later in the year, with the ongoing lockdown restrictions and the need for social distancing for the foreseeable future, it has been decided that it would not be safe to continue with the event this year in the usual format.
However, the new Redwings Show Online will not just allow horse owners who had hoped to compete a chance to enjoy the Show from home, but will offer fun classes for all pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and even tortoises – all are welcome! There will also be rosettes up for grabs.
Entries are open from now until Sunday 31st May with a minimum donation of £3 per class, which will go towards Redwings’ Coronavirus Appeal to support the charity in the care of its 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules at this challenging time.
SEIB Insurance Brokers, who were kindly sponsoring this year’s Redwings Show, have generously donated £5,000 to the appeal following the event’s cancellation.
Redwings Show Online organiser, Jude Palmer, said: “Whilst we’re very disappointed not to be able to go ahead with the Redwings Show in its usual guise, we’re excited to be offering all our supporters a chance to experience the fun of the Show from their own home.
“This year, for the first time, we were due to host a Dog Show alongside our usual horse classes, so inspired by this we’ve created online classes for all pets so even more people can get involved. We really hope it will raise a smile!
“As a charity 100% funded by donations, all the money raised from the Redwings Show Online will help ensure we can continue to give our rescued residents all the specialist care they need at this very difficult time.”
The Redwings Show Online offers a variety of fun classes, including Best Veteran, Best Rescue and Best Condition in the horse classes, Most Dashing Dog, Golden Oldie and Waggiest Tail in the dog classes, and Best Working From Home Buddy, Best Selfie and Owner Who Looks Most Like Their Pet in the general pet classes – there’s simply something for everyone!
And if you don’t have a pet, there’s still a chance to take part! There are special Gymkhana In Your Garden classes offering the young – and young at heart – the chance to create their own gymkhana games using household objects from their home or garden. These classes will be judged on the inventiveness of the set-ups and the style in which participants complete their novel obstacle courses.
To take part, Redwings is asking for a minimum donation of £3 per class and all photo and video submissions must be sent to TheRedwingsShow@redwings.co.uk by Sunday 31st May. All winners will be announced the week beginning Monday 1st June.
For more information and to see a full list of classes, visit www.redwings.org.uk.
