Last weekend (6-8 June 2025), the South of England Agricultural Society hosted the 57th annual South of England Show at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex.
The Society’s three-day programme featured a strong equestrian line-up, with high-calibre competitors and horses across showjumping, showing and scurry driving. The schedule drew both amateur and professional riders, offering HOYS, RIHS, and LIHS qualifiers, alongside key showjumping classes.
Showjumping Highlight:
For the first time in the South of England Show’s long history, the four main showjumping classes in the Ardingly Ring were won by the same rider, Mark Edwards:
- Dinnages Grand Prix with Royale Tale
- Lingfield Equine Vets Area Trial with Dillinger NE
- TC Knill James Accumulator with Tinkers Touch
- British Showjumping International Stairway with Royale Tale
Mark told British Showjumping:
“We’ve got such a strong team, to win all four big classes in the main ring was just incredible, it was a pretty good week really. We’re off to Hickstead and Bolesworth next, so let’s hope the good run of wins continues in the coming weeks.”
His team also shared on social media:
“What.A Show. Mark WON the big class every day at this show, a clean sweep! The wins keep on coming, the horses are on fire at the moment. Roll on the next show!”
Showing Highlight:
The Supreme Champion Show Horse, sponsored by Jennifer Longley and Julie Bridges, was held for only the second time in the South of England Show’s history. David Ingle judged eight horses that came forward as winners of their own classes into the main Ardingly Ring.
The RIHS Lightweight Cob Champion ‘Red Dove’ ridden by Valentine Sheehan delighted the crowd in winning the £1000 prize.
Val said:
“Red Dove is a nine-year-old mare part-bred Irish draught by Killa Hill View, known by her many fans, wide and far, as Audrey. She was born to be a show horse, always looking through the bridle with a smile on her and a spring in her steps, a true star. The first county show I visited in the UK was the South of England Show twenty years ago. I had never seen the likes, three days was hardly enough to fit it in. To walk into the Ardingly Ring for the first time on Sunday afternoon on my Champion and leave as the Supreme, it was a dream come true.”
Corrie Ince, Show Director for the South of England Show, commented:
“The South of England Show showcases top level equine competitions to the wider public and provides an opportunity for professionals and amateurs to compete in our fabulous grass rings in front of thousands of people.
“We are immensely proud of the calibre of riders and horses that choose to support our show and take part in our classes”
The Society is now turning its attention to the Autumn Show & Horse Trials on 27th and 28th September 2025, where visitors can enjoy top-level showjumping, dressage and cross-country, alongside a wide range of countryside sports, displays and ‘have-a-go’ activities. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.seas.org.uk.
