LIGHT horse classes, heavy horse displays and dog agility contests were among the highlights of the annual Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Show at the weekend.

The horse classes attracted a variety of breeds including New Forest Ponies, Arabs and Coloured Cobs. There were two dressage classes, as well as novices, show jumping and working hunters.

The event, which took place at the Ellingham and Ringwood show ground on Saturday, also included a number of competitions for our smaller four-legged friends.

Pet contests – including ‘Most Handsome Pedigree’ and ‘Waggiest Tail’ – proved particularly popular.

Show spokesman Michael Lingham-Willgoss said: “It looks as if the weather is, once again, on our side. We had some wet weather earlier in the week, but it has cleared up. The land is not too bad, it has dried considerably overnight.

“As I speak we’ve got three packs of hounds in the ring with children playing with them, we’ve had Shetland pony racing, the high jump, showjumping, birds of prey in the ring. The full programme is going ahead and we’ve got thousands of people here enjoying a bit of retail therapy - we’ve got lots of trade stands.

“I’m looking down on the members enclosure and it is packed full of people having a wonderful afternoon, so it couldn’t be much better.

“This is almost the benchmark for this type of one-day agricultural show, it is what people seem to enjoy. It is a family day out - the show you always look forward to and always think back to.”

The event culminated in a grand parade of champions in the main ring.

Meanwhile, in the horticultural marquee, homemade produce ranging from fruit and vegetables to pot plants were on display. There was also a flower arranging exhibition, homemade wine tasting, photographs and handicrafts of all kinds.

Inside the craft marquee, exhibitors showcased their own products, whilst outside rural crafts were displayed There was also a fancy dress contest, a scarecrow competition, a falconry display, a number of amateur art classes, vintage farm machinery and various reptiles on show.

The charitable society has been making donations to good causes for more than 50 years.