Ribbons Heritage Highlight

History of RAS Ribbons

Since 1869, and quite possibly before, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has awarded ribbons. That year a notice was printed in the horse catalogue standardising colours – red tickets and ribbons were to indicate first place; blue was for second – the opposite of today.

The first ribbons awarded at the Show were made of fine silk. Over time, these fragile silk ribbons were replaced by more durable fibres. On the ring these days, you will find ribbons and rosettes made of both sateen and felt.

The oldest ribbon currently held at the RAS Heritage Centre is a blue, white and red satin ribbon dating to 1898 and awarded to the Champion Holstein Cow.

Of course, it’s not just the top place getters who receive them. Since the 1990s, ribbons in brown, beige, pink, orange and lime green have been issued to encourage those placed sixth to tenth. But the envy of all remains the broad ribbon. Given only to champions, the red, white and blue striped ribbon is the Holy Grail.