The Wiltshire County Show is back on Sunday after a gap of 44 years and will be taking place alongside the Barbury International Horse Trials on Nigel Bunter’s Barbury Estate just outside Marlborough.
Most counties have their own shows to showcase their area, especially life in the rural areas and agriculture.
Wiltshire County Show was last held in 1967 in Swindon.
Now the show is back thanks to the National Farmers Union and its county chairman Minnette Batters. It has decided to revive it and make it an extra family attraction at the Barbury Horse Trials, which are now regarded as one of top events in the UK.
Mrs Batters said: “This will be an event for all the family. For those who remember it in the past it will be completely different because it will be taking place alongside the horse trials.
“The show’s aim will be portraying the vital role that farming and food production play in Wiltshire.”
Many of the world’s top riders – including the 2010 Badminton winner Paul Tapner with Inonothing – will be taking part in the four-day trials for which the main public day is Sunday.
Previous Barbury winners Daisy Dick with Spring Along and Chris King with Silver Machine will be taking part.
There will be an entry from New Zealand with Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks, Bill Levett, Andrew Nicholson and Mark Todd who has become an eventing legend.
The 2009 European champions Kristina Cook with her mount Miners Frolic will be joined by fellow team gold medallists William Fox-Pitt (winner of the first Barbury CIC), Oliver Townend and Nicola Wilson with silver medal winner Piggy French.
Mark King and Pippa Funnell, who are regular Barbury favourites, will be back with three horses entered between them.
There will be a team of Irish riders with other entries from Brazil, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, USA, Italy, Jamaica and Japan.
Sunday’s county show is in aid of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and Families Association).
There will be an appearance by the Prince of Wales Band, the Household Cavalry and the Black Knights parachute display team.
Pre-event tickets (adults £12, children under 12 free) can be purchased online – www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk – or contact the box office on (01672) 516125.
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