THE district’s two largest agricultural shows have announced changes to their equestrian sections.

Bellingham Show and Country Festival is revamping its horse classes, while Northumberland County Show, held at Bywell, has confirmed the much anticipated news of its new light horse champion judge.

There will be big changes at Bellingham, to be held on August 27, with Sarah Nixon, of Wark, becoming new chief steward for the equine classes, taking over from the long serving Anne Spottiswood.

She is hoping to build on the fantastic work of Anne, but also revamp the section by doubling the amount of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) classes, improving the show jumping, and introducing a brand new set of judges from across the country.

Sarah said: “We’ve decided on a revamp after some of the feedback from parents, and we’ve had meetings with the different pony clubs.

“We’ve added some extra prizes to win too and that should help attract more entries.

“The show will be celebrating its 175th anniversary next year and we are wanting everything to be big, and everybody will continue doing what we’re doing.

“It’s a big step for me but Anne has been a great help and we’ll continue her great work, as well as building on it.”

Meanwhile, well respected horsewoman, and Northumbrian artist, Mary Ann Rogers, of West Woodburn, has accepted the role as light horse champion at the county show, to be held on May 30.

Mary Ann, who has two new horses Tonbane Katie and Sooty, rides with the Border hunt, but also makes an appearance for Morpeth and Tynedale, as well as Donegal Harriers.

She is excited to be asked to judge the section, describing it as an honour.

“I’m very flattered to be invited to judge at the county show this year, and I hope that I have enough experience to be able to choose the very best of the champion horses in the class!”

Mandy Charlton, equine secretary for the county show, said she was delighted Mary Ann accepted the invitation to the prestigious role.

She said: “Mary Ann is an active member of Corbridge and District Riding Club, a keen hunter, and and skilful rider with the Northumberland Crow Falcons, a mounted falconry group.

“She has excellent judging credentials and we’re delighted to welcome her to the show.”