Glenbrook Farm to host 2026 Saintfield Show
The Saintfield District Show Committee are delighted to be able to run the show again in 2026.
The Lawson family have again generously agreed to host the show at Glenbrook Farm (12 Lough Road, Lisburn, BT27 6US).
The show, now in its 81st year has a great history of showcasing all things agricultural and equestrian to the local Co Down community.
The committee met with the Lawson family at Glenbrook Farm for an informal launch night. Discussions involving wet weather plans etc were had, but Peter Lawson in his usual optimistic way, assured everyone that they would not be needed as the sun would shine!
The schedule and entry forms are now online at saintfieldshow.co.uk and any queries can be sent by email to the secretary Alison Cleland at [email protected] or by ringing 07821 588390. Closing date for entries is Saturday, June 13.
Entry to the show is £10 per person payable in cash at the gate, Children under 14 are free.
There will be the usual variety of craft and trade stands, along with Children’s entertainment, petting farm etc. Also now a regular favourite, NI Lawnmower Racing Association will be holding races throughout the day.
Once again Spa Young Farmers have also kindly agreed to help on the day of the show and in organising the Wacky Races competitions, which will consist of Tug of War, Wellie throwing, Carry the Barrell etc. The show would welcome any help from any of the other local young farmers groups – many hands make light work! And they are also very welcome to join in with the competitions.
Gourleys Bar, Ballygowan, will be providing liquid refreshment for anyone lucky enough to have a designated driver, and Gerard Dornan will be playing throughout the afternoon beside the bar area. Last year this area proved to be very busy and hopefully if the weather as pleasant as Peter thinks it will be, will be a popular place for everyone to meet after a successful day’s showing.
The committee would also like to thank all the local businesses who have sponsored various sections throughout the show. Particular thanks must go to CES Quarry Products who have been a very long standing supporter of the show. As the main sponsor each year they have played a huge part in keeping the show running – particularly through particularly difficult financial times.
Ponies
The Pony Section at Saintfield Show will offer a large array of classes which will cater to everyone. The in-hand classes are a great opportunity to show off young stock and to introduce them to a friendly show atmosphere. The inhand championship is very kindly sponsored by Inglewood Equine who provides a range of services from show groom to mane and tail tidying. The ridden ponies offer classes ranging from lead rein and family pony to show ponies and Connemaras. There is sure to be a class for everyone. Working Hunter
The Working Hunter section pony classes will commence at 10am and the horse classes will follow lunch, not earlier than 1pm. David McClurg will again be the course builder.
Judges are Laura Lee Hatton (Co. Wexford) and Jackie Williamson (Cumbria).
Each class is divided into two sections. The first being over a course of natural jumps which will sometimes contain a few hazards, i.e., plastic ducks in the water or maybe a sheepdog lurking. The second part is an individual show, judging the pony/horse on their walk, trot, canter and gallop.
Generally Working Hunter Horses and Ponies differ from Show Hunter Horses and Ponies in as much as they should be of more substance with the ability to jump in a clean, fluent manner and moving on at a sensible hunting pace.
Showjumping
This year’s showjumping classes are being run by Ardnacashel Equestrian. It will be a course of 12 show jumps. For the classes Cross Poles, 50cm and 60cm they will not be timed – so just a fun encouraging round for the kids. The 70, 80, 90, 1m and 1.1m will be against the clock from fence 8 to 12. It will the fastest clear that wins.