About Cutcombe Horse Show

Cutcombe Show was restarted in 1986, after a gap of many years, by a group of enthusiastic local parents - most of whom are still involved with running the show today. The first few shows were held just outside the village of Wheddon Cross but when the field was sold the show moved to an ideal location at Dunkery Hill Gate, where it is still held by the very kind permission of Mr & Mrs HJ Stevens. Cutcombe VA First School was the inspiration to start the show when financing the improvement of the swimming pool was the priority for our fundraising and the school continues to be a main benefactor. Cutcombe School parents are also very supportive and help by providing a delicious array of home made refreshments which they sell to the public. This can be enjoyed while relaxing in this superb setting with wonderful views of Exmoor and the surrounding countryside. Other village amenities like the Playgroup, St John's Church and the Moorland Hall are also supported by the show to help keep them active and the village thriving. We also make an alternate annual donation to either the Devon or the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances. It was intended to be a traditional village horse show and gymkhana with classes primarily designed to attract children with 'ordinary' ponies, offering them the chance to win a rosette or two. These fun pony classes increased over time, attracting more competitors especially in the leading rein class, then quite soon the single Mountain & Moorland class developed into a complete section of its own and continues to thrive; this was developed by a trio of local Exmoor Pony enthusiasts (Mrs G Langdon, Mrs J Ablett and Mrs A Western) who continue to sponsor and organise it. Basic horse classes have also developed and now include large and small hunters - ridden and workers, riding club horse and the popular coloured horse or pony class. There are show jumping classes for all abilities and age ranges with each class having a perpetual challenge cup to be won. The Fancy Dress competition is a delight and held in the main ring so everyone has a chance to enjoy seeing them. In the afternoon there are Gymkhana classes divided into four age groups and these also have perpetual challenge cups to be won. As well as a horse show, there are two dog shows; one for family dogs and one for terriers. These are held in the afternoon alongside a Dog Agility Demonstration, followed by the chance to give your dog a go! There are often a selection of trade stands offering their wares, you can cool down with an ice cream or warm up with hot refreshments depending on the weather as we try to cater for most eventualities. We are very grateful, not just to the team who organise this show, but to our loyal sponsors and advertisers, without whom it would be very difficult to make a profit - so if they offer a service you can use, please give them a chance - check out the Sponsors Page! Finally, we hope you will be able to come and join us for what is usually a great family day out.