15 May 2020

Everyone can join in the Redwings Show Online!

We’re very sorry to have to announce the cancellation of the popular Redwings Show that was due to be held in July, but we hope to raise a smile with the news that we are taking it online, with classes for all pet owners.

Our annual horse show, which has been held for over 10 years, was due to take place at its new home of Trinity Park, near Ipswich, on 12th July. We had originally hoped to be able to postpone the Show to a date later in the year, but with the ongoing lockdown restrictions and the need for social distancing for the foreseeable future, we feel that it would not be safe to continue with the event this year in physical form.

However, our new Redwings Show online will not just allow horse owners who had hoped to compete a chance to enjoy the show from home, but will offer fun classes for all pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and even tortoises – all are welcome! Plus, there will be rosettes up for grabs too!

The online show runs until the 31st May with a minimum donation of £3 per class, which go towards our Coronavirus Appeal to help us continue to care for our 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules at this challenging time.

SEIB Insurance Brokers, who were kindly sponsoring this year’s Redwings Show, have generously donated £5,000 to the appeal following the event’s cancellation.

Redwings Show Online organiser, Jude Palmer, said: “Whilst we’re very disappointed not to be able to go ahead with the Redwings Show in its usual guise, we’re excited to be offering all our supporters a chance to experience the fun of the Show from their own home.

“This year, for the first time, we were due to host a Dog Show alongside our usual horse classes, so inspired by this we’ve created online classes for all pets so even more people can get involved. We really hope it will raise a smile!

“As a charity 100% funded by donations, all the money raised from the Redwings Show Online will help ensure we can continue to give our rescued residents all the specialist care they need at this very difficult time. It’s a great way to support Redwings and hopefully have some fun too!”

The Redwings Show Online offers a variety of fun classes, including Best Veteran, Best Rescue and Best Turnout in the horse classes, Most Dashing Dog, Golden Oldie and Waggiest Tail in the dog classes, and Best Working from Home Buddy, Best Selfie and Owner Who Looks Most Like Their Pet in the general pet classes – there really is something for everyone!

And if you don’t have a pet, there’s still a chance to take part! There are special Gymkhana In Your Garden classes offering the young – and young at heart – the chance to create their own gymkhana games using household objects from their home or garden. These classes will be judged on the inventiveness of the set-ups and the style in which participants complete their novel obstacle courses.

It's simple to enter. You just need to:

1. Choose the classes you would like to enter.

2. Donate your entry fees on our JustGiving page here. To take part we ask for a donation of just £3 per class. Please ensure that your JustGiving message includes your class name name and pet's name. Please also ensure that your name and donation are in public view, and match the details on your entry form, so we can match you up to your form.

3. Click here to download the entry form (MSWORD 252 KB). You can fill in the entry form on your PC or other device and then email the completed form, along with your photo/ video entries, to TheRedwingsShow@redwings.co.uk. Entries close on Sunday 31st May.

All winners will be announced the week beginning Monday 1st June. Make sure you follow us on social media to see all our fantastic winners!

We can’t wait to see your entries! We hope you have lots of fun preparing your photos and videos to enter!