THE Kilmacanogue and District Horse Show is now in 49th year and many would say that no summer is complete without this wonderful show. The aim of the committee has always been to run a community-based show and raise funds for local charities.

Over the lifetime of the show, it has raised much needed funds for local charity partners in Wicklow, provided an excellent family day out and put a smile on many a child’s face.

This year due to Covid-19, the committee has decided the main priority is to keep everyone safe so they won’t be holding the show in its traditional manner. The committee of volunteers were determined that the show must go on and took to Zoom to plan a fun and exciting virtual show, with something for everyone in the family.

All age groups and levels of ability are welcome for the Performance Hunter classes, while the equestrian classes are for children of different ages. Children and their mounts will be judged on turnout in the Style and Appearance class, while in the ever-popular Fancy Dress class riders and ponies can stretch the limits of their imagination and resourcefulness. Eminent judges will carefully consider all entries with winners being announced in early August.

There are special, non-horse events that in this year’s virtual show. In the Lockdown Living – Back to Basics class entrants can display the activities that keep them going during this pandemic. Photographs or a short video with short description of whatever activity was a distraction when the world seemed to stop – baking, gardening, nature-watching, yoga, painting, etc.

In the Back-Garden Dog Agility class, even beginner dogs have a chance where a one-minute video showing entrant’s agility over a home-built course will be judged on accuracy, speed and adorability. All other pets can be entered into the Best Pet class.

What weight am I?Don't be sheepish - Ewe could be the winner!

Everyone is invited to meet Speckles the Show lamb. Simply, guess how much he weighs to win a Year’s Family Pass to the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Speckles was born on March 26th, 2020, just as the pandemic put Ireland into lockdown. See Speckles in a video where his excellent conformation and size can be assessed at www.kilmacanoguehorseshow.com

All entrants’ photographs and videos will be featured as 2020 exhibitors on the Kilmacanogue and District Horse Show website and the winners will be announced on August 3rd, 2020.