Jill sent the following report from day one (that’s yesterday … Wednesday) at Walnut Hill:

The first day of the show started bright and early at 8 a.m.! All the longtime volunteers were there early, and management was all in place as Peter Doubleday (the longtime show announcer) welcomed everyone to the start of the 39th Walnut Hill Show.

The first class was Gentlemen to Drive / Single Horse / Meadowbrook or Road Cart — Progressive Obstacles. Unfortunately for Jim Leo, who was driving his big Friesian, the early start did not bode well, when his vehicle turned over, throwing him out, and his horse took off around the arena with the vehicle on its side. Horse and driver were OK (the carriage was a bit banged up!), and they walked out of the ring to the applause of the audience. Things were quickly running back on time and there were no more incidents all day.

I was not able to confirm whether the 220 entries this year is the largest number ever, but I can confirm that the 280 stalls are, in fact, the most that Walnut Hill has ever put up. It seems that many people are here to honor Bill Remley. The Small and Large Pony Divisions each have thirty entries, so both have been split. The Park Division / Ladies Wicker has a record entry of twelve. It’s fantastic to see.

John White of New Jersey is here driving in his first show, having brought a coaching and a four-in-hand entry. He won his first class: Unicorn / Four-in-Hand Horses — Cross Country Obstacle, with a clear round. Well done! Also, Mark Schofield is here with a new young Hackney team, and he got a pleasing second in the Unicorn / Four-in-Hand Horses — Reinsmanship class, which was won by Marilyn Macfarlane of Kentucky and her elegant unicorn. Congratulations to all for a nice showing.

The weather was hot and humid, and the sun was shining, but there was no rain. As soon as the show ended, a cool breeze came up, and it was a fantastic evening for all to enjoy the barbecue.

the newly created Bill Remley Memorial Garden (photo by Jill Ryder)

the popular Patrons' Tent on the hill overlooking the ring (photo by Jill Rdyer)

Marilyn Macfarlane, with her unicorn of Friesian horses as she departs on the Cross Country Obstacles course (photo by Jill Ryder)

the final lineup in the large Park Division / Ladies Wicker Phaeton / Afternoon Turnout class ... Wende Bush was the lucky winner today (photo by Jill Ryder)

You can check the show’s results each day at http://www.drivingnews.us/results/results2010/WalnutHill/.