Clydsedale Horse Show moves to a new Aberdeenshire location
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Removal of funding support and an increase in running costs have seen an iconic north-east equestrian event shift its location after nearly 40 years.
The City of Aberdeen Clydesdale Horse Show was founded by Aberdeen City Council in 1982 and has been running annually for the past 39 years. With the exception that there were no shows in either 2020 or 2021 because of the Pandemic and resulting Covid Restrictions placed on events in all that time it was held within the scenic grounds of Aberdeen’s Duthie Park.
The Victorian Bandstand featured as a backdrop in many historical photographs of the Show that are in existence.
Originally the Show was hosted and funded entirely by the City Council who at the time had many Clydesdales still working in Aberdeen as draught horses.
Sadly as with all things, the use of these draught horses was ceased and the City Council had less interest in running their Annual Show.
Ownership of the running of the show was then transferred to a group of Clydesdale enthusiasts who formed a committee.
For several years thereafter the City Council actively sponsored the event by donating a considerable amount of money towards the running costs. However in later years this donation dwindled to nothing and instead of a donation, the City Council allowed the Show Committee free use of Duthie Park as a venue.
The Show Committee were then responsible for fundraising through sponsorship and donations to make up the shortfall in the yearly expenditure
for the running of the annual show, especially to pay for the metal City Council Crowd Barriers the City Council required them to use for the show rings to meet the Council’s safety requirements.
Use of Duthie Park has posed many issues, both financial and otherwise, to the Show Committee over the last few years.
In addition there were requirements to be met since it was both City Council land, and a public place used at all times by members of the public.
The decision was made prior to Lockdown easing in 2021, to look for an alternative venue for the next show.
It was proposed that this was within Aberdeenshire, on the outskirts of Aberdeen and somewhere flat that would be ideal as a showground. Overwhelmingly it had to be easily accessible to competitors travelling from both the North and South of Scotland.
Karen Campbell, Show Secretary said: “The Show in Aberdeen has been fortunate to have been sponsored religiously over the years by business owner Malcolm Allan of Uppermill Farm near Kintore,
"Malcolm is a huge Clydesdale supporter himself, previously owning Clydesdale horses and takes a great deal of interest in all the local shows where these amazing horses can be seen.
"He very kindly agreed to the use of one of his fields for the 2022 Show.”
“A decision was taken at our first committee meeting of the season in October 2021 to rename the Show, The Aberdeen Clydesdale Show to reflect that it would no longer be held within the City. “
“We are aware folk who live in Aberdeen who always came to spectate at Duthie Park in the past may be disappointed by the move.
"We very much encourage spectators on the day of the show and hope that many will make the journey to Uppermill Farm on Saturday August 27
“As much as we are saddened to leave the historical show venue, the future of smaller shows like The Aberdeen Clydesdale Show, depends heavily on volunteer committee members working over the summer months and having considerably less stress and red tape to deal with.
"In addition the new venue is just perfect for all our requirements.
"It is easily accessible to folk from the South coming off the Aberdeen bypass and folk from the north.
"There is no need to drive into Aberdeen at all cutting travel time and the stress sat in traffic.
"The Showground is a lovely flat area in view of the main road so those travelling will see where they need to be.
"There is great access for the biggest of lorries and horseboxes and ample space for spectator parking.
"It’s just perfect and we cannot thank Malcolm Allan enough”
The Aberdeen Show has always boasted the largest gathering of Clydesdales in the North East of Scotland, second only to The Royal Highland Show held in June which showcases high numbers of them from across Scotland and other parts of the UK.
"It is hoped that with a return to showing this year there will be a great turnout of horses on the day.
"A new class has been added for 2022 and as well as seeing these magnificent horses in Show harness, spectators will be able to see them between the shafts of single carts in the new Driving Class.
Anyone wishing to get further information can contact the Secretary, Karen Campbell, by email karen.campbell7868@googlemail.com or via the Show Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/The-Aberdeen-Clydesdale-Show
The Show will be held on Saturday August 27 Uppermill Farm, Kintore, AB51 0XL
Judging starts at 10am.
“The Clydesdale Horse is sadly dwindling in numbers, but by promoting the breed and their versatility at shows like this, as a ridden horse as well as a draught animal, and encouraging people to come along and get involved, will we continue to keep the breed going”