Shows

There is a longstanding tradition of showing horses in the UK.

Our stallions, mares and foals are taken to shows throughout the year and shown in breed-specific classes. This allows them to be exposed to life outside the Stud Farm, which prepares them for new environments and accustoms them to different sights and sounds. Successfully preparing horses for the show ring and presenting them at shows is a skilled art, and acts as a great advertisement for both our own horses and the breed in general.

On this page you will find...

Positive experiences and new skills

Why Showing Benefits Our Horses

Participating in shows exposes a horse to life beyond the Stud Farm, helping them adapt to new environments and become familiar with various sights and sounds.

Ultimately, they becomes a better behaved animal and less prone to being spooked or distracted in unfamiliar situations. Showing helps horses to stay in practice and builds confidence, which in turn maintains or enhanced their value.

Horses have unique personalities and abilities, which, when harnessed in the right direction, can produce remarkable results in the ring - a setting where many believe they truly shine.

The special bond between horse and handler (Groom) grows and develops as they work together to compete in the show ring, building skills that go beyond competition.

Showing a horse requires problem-solving, goal-setting and organisational skills. The handler must face issues as they arise and determine how best to resolve them, whether it relates to the horse, logistics or even time-management. Showing also requires incredible attention to detail, down to tack, appearance and performance, so the ability to prioritise and execute — often under pressure — are vital.

Looking professional

Turnout

Suffolk Stallions, Mares and Geldings are all presented in the same way.

Button
Button
Button
Button

Manes: Fully plaited with bass (raffia). The bass is soaked prior to plaiting and as it dries it holds in tight – plus it’s easier to work with and stretches a little.

Flights: These are ‘Tulip’ style. They are a simple upright flight, normally without bows. There are 7-11 flights in total that are plaited in with the bass.

Tails: Suffolk’s have full tails which are fully plaited with bass, then end rolled back, and nearly sown in. Three or four bows are then tied in down the plait to match the flights.

Neck band: This is used to hold the competition number and can be one colour or two, to match the flights.

Forelock: A bow can be tied in the forelock – again in a matching colour to the flights.

Colours: Traditional colours such as red as the most popular colours used but all Suffolk breeders have their own different colours. Ours is yellow and blue.

We encourage our supporters to join us at our upcoming shows so you can really appreciate our Suffolk Punches at their best.

Shows

Classes

Classes for heavy horses, such as the Suffolk Punch horses, are:

Best shod
Young Handler
Gelding (4 years and over)
Gelding (2 or 3 years old)
Filly, Colt or Gelding (yearling)
Filly (2 or 3 years old)
Mare (4 years and older)
Mare (4 years or older) with foal at foot
Foal
Stallion (2 or 3 years old)
Stallion (4 years and older)
Mare, Stallion or Gelding with the best feet

2023 Show Results

The Suffolk Horse Spectacular, 3rd September 2023

Colony Eli
Supreme Champion
Champion Stallion
The Framlingham Show, 15th July 2023

Colony Jada
2nd, Filly Foal
Royal Norfolk Show, 28th – 29th June 2023

Colony Eli
1st, Stallion 4 years old and over
Reserve Champion Stallion

Colony Gremlin
1st, Stallion 2 and 3 years old
Champion Stallion
Suffolk Show, 31st May – 1st June 2023

Colony Eli
Supreme Champion Suffolk
Champion Stallion
1st, Stallion 4 Years and over Class

Colony Gremlin
1st, Stallion 2 or 3 Years old Class

Colony Boo
3rd, Mare 4 Years old and over Class
Woodbridge Horse Show, 1st May 2023

Colony Eli
Stallion Champion (Qualified)
1st, Stallion 4 Years and over Class

Colony Gremlin
1st, Stallion 2 and 3 Years old Class

2024 Show Dates

Most shows are ticketed for the public, and fees vary. For more information on each show, please get in touch with the event organisers.

Show	Date	Info
Woodbridge Show	6th May	Website here
Suffolk Show	29th and 30th May	Website here
Royal Norfolk Show	26th and 27th June	Website here
Framlingham Show	13th or 20th July	Website here
Suffolk Spectacular	1st September	Website here
Palace House Day	6th October	Website here
Foal and Yearling show	13th October	Website here