TV favourite ‘can’t wait’ for heavy horses judging as Royal Welsh gets under way

Acclaimed actor and horseman Martin Clunes is looking forward to seeing the Heavy Horse Village, a spectacular new attraction at this year’s Royal Welsh Show, which opened today (Monday).

Clunes, star of Doc Martin and many other hit TV shows, will judge the show’s Supreme Horse Championship in the main ring on the Thursday afternoon.

“I'm really looking forward to coming to the Royal Welsh Show and coming back to Wales,” said Clunes, president of the British Horse Society (BHS). “I love a show, but I've never been to this one before and it sounds epic. I'm absolutely delighted to be judging the supreme horse.

“The serious judging will be done by the serious judges of each horse in its class, so I just get to pick one I like the look of best, which I'm very qualified to do. I can't wait.”

The judging of the Supreme Horse Championship will follow his tour of the Heavy Horse Village with its different breeds and displays.
 
The village is the brainchild of this year’s Royal Welsh Ambassador, Rhys Griffith. He runs his family’s Trem-y-Wyddfa Stud in Llanberis and sells all over the world. The stud comprises 20 horses, including 12 mares, four stallions and young stock including four foals.

“I want to bring the knowledge and love of Heavy Horses to more people,” said Rhys. “I’m grateful that the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is supporting my vision.

“I feel lucky to have a platform for people to see the heavy horses. There will be preparations and competitions and a new turnout class. I’m looking forward to meeting Martin Clunes and to showing him around – he knows a lot of people who will be there and will be among friends.”

There are more than 70 heavy horses entered in various competitions and featuring in displays, with 40 in the in-hand section and 35 in the turn out every day.

The show’s director of horses, Chris Davies ,added: “We are pleased to be bringing some of the biggest and best horses to our new heavy horse village, next to the horse ring.

“There will even be a few higher than 19hh. Everyone loves a heavy horse, so it’s an opportunity to come up close and personal for the first time. It will be a truly majestic sight of our country’s rare breeds and Gentle Giants.”

In addition to his portrayal of Dr Martin Ellingham in the much-loved television series Doc Martin, Clunes starred in ‘Out There’ which was filmed across rural Mid Wales.

He is also a passionate advocate for the equestrian community. Since becoming President of the BHS) in 2011, he has been a dedicated champion of horse welfare, rider safety and equestrian access.

He has had a lifelong love of horses and has actively supported numerous equestrian events and charities across the United Kingdom. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) says his extensive experience and deep appreciation for equine excellence make him the ideal choice to judge the Supreme Horse Championship.

The Royal Welsh Show, held annually at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, is one of Europe’s premier agricultural events, celebrating the best of Welsh livestock, rural life and equestrian excellence.

This year’s show promises an exciting line-up of competitions, demonstrations and family-friendly activities.