Help is needed to break an amazing Guinness World Record that most people probably aren’t aware exists.
Appeals are being made now for volunteers to help break the record for the largest parade of hobby horses and their riders.
The attempt will be made at this year’s Hurst Show and Country Fayre on its second day, Sunday June 26.
The appeal for adults and children to sign up is being made now because of the large number of people needed. Fortunately, visitors flock to the show from a wide area across Berkshire and beyond.
Vikki Randles of Hurst Show said: “It’s not every day that you get to take part in a world record-breaking attempt. The current record stands at 250 and we’re aiming to get as close to 300 participants as possible. So we’re calling on anyone and everyone to get involved, have some fun and hopefully help us become a record-breaking show.”
Hobby horse jumping has been a highly popular at the show for many years. In 2017, the show ran the UK’s first Hobby Horse Jumping Championships which featured on BBC Breakfast News with presenter Mike Bushell taking to the jumps.
The Guinness World Records guidelines to create ‘the largest stick horse parade’ have to be followed.
A basic requirement is that everyone must carry a homemade or a commercially available hobby stick horse which clearly has a horse’s head at one end. The website has instructions on how to make one.
All taking part will have a numbered sticker which will be counted in the attempt.
The show is encouraging children to take part. To be counted they need to carry a hobby horse and walk independently in single file. Each child rider will receive a souvenir rosette. Riders are being encouraged to wear fancy dress, to add to the fun.
It’s planned to gather at Martineau Green, parade round there and then up and down School Road.
The show, on June 25 and 26, will follow a similar format to last year with attractions organised across Martineau Green, St Nicholas Primary School and Hurst Village Halls and Scout hut. Some road closures have been requested again.
Events are being scaled up again. In addition to the record attempt there will be a fun dog show, animal petting, craft stalls, classic vehicle and vintage bicycle show, live music, arena events, a bar and a barbecue.
Hobby horse riders joining the 2022 Hurst Show record attempt need to pre-register at the website www.hurstshow.uk. It includes full details about how to join in.
