Country pursuits given perfect parkland venue
THERE was plenty of horsing around as the Cotswold Hunt and Farmers Show got under way.
Riders, spectators and stall holders descended on the Kennels at Andoversford for the event now in its sixth year.
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over they go: Harriet Dickin, 16, on Pebbley Dunthrop
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saddle up: Bridget Middlebrough, of Chatcombe Saddlery
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catching up: Richard, four, and Patrick Upton, two, find time for a chat at the Cotswold Hunt and Farmers Show
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me and my pal: Edward Stewart-Richardson, four, with Twiglet
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fancy dress: Maggie Barrow, three, on Bumble
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right characters: Serena Stanley, seven, on Bumble with Thomas, four, and Oliver Stanley, five
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sheepskins: Jimmy Egan
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dressed up: Maisie Smith, four, on Rosie led by mum Melissa
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jump: Olivia Dobson and Pip
There was plenty to entertain both serious horsemen and women and those along for the ride including a fancy dress round, terrier racing and other country pursuits.
Spokesman Trevor Clarke said this year's show showed the re-formed event, which was cancelled during the foot and mouth crisis, was growing all the time.
"We had people come from as far afield as Scotland, Leicestershire, Pembroke and Cornwall," he said.
The show is one of Britain's oldest hunt-supporting events and was first held in 1948.
Mr Clarke said people at this show told him how impressed they were with it.
He said: "Everyone mentioned the going and the layout.
"It's a perfect parkland setting.
"It acknowledges the work that farmers and gamekeepers do to the countryside.
"It was its sixth year in its present guise and it has grown quite considerably."
He said the increase had been not just in those turning up but in the quality of the displays and food offered.
He added: "It's something that has got into the psyche of the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire and is something that people just have to attend."
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