MEM24727 - Exford Horse Show, behind Exford Kennels (Monument)

In 1881 Lord Ebrington, Master of Staghounds at the time, started the first Horse Show, which was held every year apart from during World Wars One and Two. It was sited in a field behind the kennels before moving to Buckworthy Farm.

In 1881 Lord Ebrington, Master of Staghounds at the time, started the first Horse Show, which was held every year apart from during World Wars One and Two. It was sited in a field behind the kennels before moving to a field at Buckworthy Farm. It became so large that the fair was postponed from 14th August to a later date. [1] The precise location of the original fairground requires confirmation. [2] A history of the horse show is included in [3]. Exford Fair was held annually from at least 1863, on the 14th August. The first Exford Horse Show is considered to have been held on 14 August 1884, which included 30 mares. An entrance fee was charged for the benefit of the Deer Damage Fund. The following year a large sheep and cattle fair was held in the morning on the Fair field, with the horse show in the afternoon. In 1899, Lord Ebrington retired as Honorary Secretary and was replaced by Mr R Thomas of West Anstey for 1900. In 1922, the show changed permanently to be held on the second Wednesday in August. The showground was last in a field next to the Kennels in 1945 and 1946. In 1947, it moved to Buckworthy Farm. [3]