Thousands flock to enjoy fun at Ringwood show (From Thisisdorset)

Thousands flock to enjoy fun at Ringwood show

2:00pm Monday 13th August 2012 in Latest By Katie Clark

PRANCING ponies, delightful donkeys and animals in fancy dress were just some of the highlights from this year’s sun-bathed Ellingham Show .

Thousands visited the packed-out grounds of the annual country show at Somerley Park near Ringwood on Saturday, making the most of the hot summer’s day.

And with a full agenda of displays and competitions as well as entertainment and hundreds of trade stalls for visitors to peruse, there really was something for everyone to enjoy.

Light horse classes showed off a variety of breeds including New Forest Ponies, Arabs and Coloured Cobs while new for this year were two dressage classes along with more fun classes for novices and show jumping and working hunter classes.

The heavy horse displays also proved a draw for people, marvelling at the size of the graceful animals and dog owners could enter their own pooches in the just for fun competition as well as the most handsome pedigree and waggiest tail contests.

Fine dairy and beef cattle were also on show, with eight-year-old Ralph Farwell from Burton among other members of his family showing the farm’s finest Friesians off to perfection.

One of the most popular events was the donkey show, which had classes for donkeys and foals from six weeks to 15 years and older.

In the horticultural marquee, locals showed off their glorious homemade produce, from fruit and vegetables to plants and flower arrangements and yummy cakes and preserves.

Youngsters were also well catered for, with lots of activities including a climbing wall and other games for them to try their hand at with others enjoying the chance to see the huge array of vintage tractors and other vehicles.

And for those wanting to escape for a bit of peace and quiet, Christchurch Angling Club were also on hand to provide fishing instruction and advice for people on the river.

Show spokesperson Michael Lingham-Wilgoss said: “Last year was a record-breaking year and we are hoping for another this year.

“It was a brilliant success and everyone said how well it went. We always try to make it better and better, if not necessarily bigger, and I think we have achieved that again.”