THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE - The Rogers Farm Horse Show

John Farquaharson is a name to be remembered in Findon. He was born in Bo'ness, Scotland and moved to Worthing in 1926 and settled at St. Mary's Farm in Durrington Lane. The farm's success led to the birth of three further shops in the 1940s. These were John Mack in Ivy Arch road, the Montague Fruit stores in Worthing and the Strand Fruit Stores in Goring.

He went on to buy some of the land which now constitutes the Rogers Farm land in Findon.

During his lifetime he was an ardent mason.

It was in November 1988 that businessman and farmer, John Farquharson, died at his Findon home. He was 80 years old and pursued a lifetime of farming and owned the exclusive Farquharson and Sherbourne furniture shop before it was bought out by Bentalls. He left his wife, Deirdre, four children, Jane, Andrew, Wendy and Jo.

Sarah Ford and Polly in 1979

The first Rogers Farm Horse Show was held in 1979 and its popularity just grew and grew. Andrew Farquharson started the non-profiting making show in response to a need for a high standard local show providing top quality facilities in a friendly, family atmosphere.

By 1983 this was the largest held there so far and one of the finest of its kind in the area. The show offered a very good range of classes for all the competitors. It was the year that for the first time there was the elegance of the Side Saddle Class.

Rogers Farm in May 2004

Unfortunately, no one can predict the weather. It was not kind with heavy downpours of rain but hundreds of people turned out for the event. The police were busy operating a one-way system along the road leading to the showground in an attempt to facilitate the arrival of 220 horses who were entered from all over the South of England.

There was a fancy dress parade with some outstanding creations which were judged by Philip Holiday (Worthing's Town crier) and everyone appeared to be oblivious to the wind and rain which lasted most of the morning. This was followed by a dog gymkhana (by which time the rain had ceased and it was sunny) which included competitions such as the canine with the waggiest tail, a choc-drop race and a sack race.

The big attraction for the dogs day out was the Jumping Derby with commentary by Nicholas John. (Aside: shouldn't this have been called the Grand National?) The entrants had to negotiate tunnels, hoops, a wide water jump and finally ascend and descend the Great Derby Straw Bank. The dog jumping Derby was started as a joke but took off. In all, 40 dogs entered in the fun and tackled the course and gave their owners a good soaking into the bargain.

The Rogers Farm Cup (presented to the rider gaining the most points during the day) was won by 17-year old Frances Walton on Waterford with 23 points. Andrew Farquharson is pictured above presenting the winning rider with her cup.

On Sunday 4th September 1984, the annual Rogers Farm Horse Show was once again held in a rainstorm.

More than 300 took part in the fifth event held there. Despite a thundery start and rain, a warm sunny afternoon followed in which 247 horses were put through their paces and 40 dogs and their owners completed the jumping course.

The crowds were entered twice during the day by H.M.S. Vanguard and their marching cadet band.

On Sunday 8th September 1985, Andrew Farquharson once again organised his Open Horse Show at Rogers Farm and provided professional jumps, electronic timing and three separate public address systems. Here he is with Roundabout, one of the 41 horses at his livery yard.

The large number of local riders meant that the quality of the entrants was high and attracted top judges to the Show during fine weather for the show. Four of the overall judges had judged at Hickstead the previous week and all the jumping judges belonged to the British Show Jumping Association.

There were 24 equestrian classes spread over six rings operating during the day from 8.30 a.m. until 7 p.m. with just under two hundred horses and around sixty dogs taking part. These classes included jumping, in-hand and best condition and turnout events.

The dogs had their own gymkhana which was followed by the Dog Jumping Derby during which the participants were expected to complete a course of jumps, obstacles, tunnel and a water jump. This proved to be one of the most popular events with the usual amusement when owners fell into the water. Other events for the canines included the dog with the waggiest tail and the handler the Show Director would like most to take home!

In 1986 the Rogers Farm Horse Show and Dog Jumping Derby was held in glorious sunshine when around a hundred horses and sixty dogs competed at the farm in 51 classes spread over six rings. The Show Director, Andrew Farquharson was delighted with the weather and turnout.

The weather was probably the best since early July and this encouraged the public to lunch at the show and enjoy the bar and restaurant.

In contrast the 1987 Rogers Farm Horse Show was held in soggy weather but it failed to stop a record number of entries. It was recorded that the entries soared by more than 70% with 230 horses and about 80 dogs competing in over 50 classes. Most people appeared to be completely obvious to the fact it was raining.

The ninth annual Rogers Farm Horse Show and Dog Jumping Derby took place in September 1998 and some 1,500 poured through the gates of Rogers Farm Horse Show ground. There were a total of 160 horses and sixty dogs entered. Andrew Farquharson is shown here with some of the winners that day.

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