The two new sheep classes will see the Dutch Spotted and Valais Blacknose breeds judged at the Show for the first time. Judging the Dutch Spotted will be Brian Davies of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, who is a trustee of the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society. While David Hodge, of Okehampton, Devon will be assessing the Valais Blacknose – he currently holds the role of joint Chairman of Valais Blacknose Society.

Meanwhile, four existing equestrian classes have been upgraded to HOYS Qualifiers for 2022, with two new classes, Maxi Cob of the Year Championship and Mountain & Moorland Junior 122cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year, joining the schedule for the first time.

The other classes upgraded to HOYS Qualifiers are: Topham Barnes Riding Horse of the Year; The Harrod & Coles Family Cob of the Year; British Show Pony Society Children's Riding Pony of the Year; and National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain & Moorland Ridden New Forest Pony of the Year – this class returns to the Show for the first time since 2016.

RHASS Competitions Manager, David Tennant, commented:

“We are really looking forward to seeing the two new sheep sections judged for the first time ever at the Royal Highland Show, with Dutch Spotted and Valais Blacknose included due to their popularity and commercial impact.
“The HOYS classes provide new qualification opportunities for equestrians hoping to attend the Horse of the Year Show in October.”

Competition entries will open in late March, when the schedule of competitions will also be released.

Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, the Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 23-26 June 2022.

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit www.royalhighlandshow.org.

Royal Highland Show new classes

Sheep Section
Dutch Spotted
• Judge: Brian Davies, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
• To be judged on Thursday 23rd June late afternoon

Valais Blacknose
• Judge: David Hodge, Okehampton, Devon
• To be judged on Friday 24th June late afternoon

HOYS Qualifiers
Mountain & Moorland Junior 122cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year
• Judge: Brian Davies, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
• To be judged on Friday 24th June at approx. 12.30 as part of the Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony Section in Ring 6

Topham Barnes Riding Horse of the Year
• Judges: Conformation – David Dixon, Guisborough, Cleveland & Ride – Michael Cooper, Manchester, Lancashire.
• To be judged on Friday 24th June approx. 1pm in Thistle RIng

The Harrod & Coles Family Cob of the Year
• Judges: Conformation – David Dixon, Guisborough, Cleveland & Ride – Michael Cooper, Manchester, Lancashire.
• To be judged on Friday 24th June approx. 4pm in Thistle Ring

Maxi Cob of the Year Championship
• Judges: Conformation – David Dixon, Guisborough, Cleveland & Ride – Michael Cooper, Manchester, Lancashire.
• To be judged on Friday 24th June approx. 4pm in Thistle Ring

British Show Pony Society Children's Riding Pony of the Year
• Judges: Conformation - Karen Slight Biggar, South Lanarkshire & Ride – Rosemary Hetherington
• To be judged on Saturday 25th June. 7.30am in Main Ring

National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain & Moorland Ridden New Forest Pony of the Year
• Judges: Conformation – Mr Richard Miller, Ferryside, Carmarthenshire, Wales & Ride – Ms Debbie Spears, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
• To be judged on Sunday 26th June at 7.30 as part of Mountain and Moorland under Saddle Section in the Thistle Ring