As preparations continue for the Dorset County Show 2017, equine classes and attractions see continued improvements destined to make it another successful year for visitors and competitors alike.

Now in its 176th year, horses have been significant in the show’s success since it was first established in 1840 and are considered to play a vital part of the two day event, to be held at the Dorchester Showground from Saturday, September 2, to Sunday, September 3.

Attracting 60,000 people, guests will be wowed by the four dedicated equine rings as well as show jumping and horse classes in the main ring.

With a reserved area for equine traders next to the horse rings, extra focus has been placed on making it easier for both new and returning horse exhibitors.

Will Hyde, show secretary, said: “Horse and show jumping classes are extremely important to Dorset County Show, we have worked hard to keep them at the core of the agricultural show because we want them to be enjoyed by enthusiasts and the general public alike.”

The Dorset County Show 2016 saw a bumper number of entries in the horse and pony sections with close to 1,000 aspiring competitors across 130 classes.

Total prize money now stands at £21,000, higher than many other county shows of this size, and this is with entry fees continuing to remain lower than many horse show events around the country, 2017 looks destined to be bigger than ever.

The largest horse show in Dorset introduced some significant changes in the schedule for 2016 and after receiving great positive feedback these will continue this year.

This year’s main ring attraction will include Jonathan Marshall with a falconry display on horseback.

Also new for 2017 is the introduction of foreign breed classes which are open to any horse or pony that is non-indigenous to the British Isles and include ridden and in hand classes.

As well as the many traditional horse classes, Dorset County Show also hosts a fast paced double harness scurry, sponsored by Osborne Refrigerators, the heavy horse section, sponsored by Palmers Brewery, private driving classes and the coaching marathon, with teams of three or four horses pulling a coach.

Will Hyde added: “One thing we pride ourselves on at Dorset County Show is the dedication of our Stewards and the high calibre of our judges. Many of the stewards have been part of the show for years, which helps the show run so smoothly.

"However, the thing that really helps keep the standards high is the experienced judges we manage to attract, many of them judge Horse of the Year qualifiers and they always enjoy the standard of competitors here at Dorset County Show”

Focus will not just be on the contestants inside the ring, Jenny Pitman OBE will be returning as a judge in the Retrained Racehorse classes. Jenny is a former British racehorse trainer and author, she became the first woman to train a Grand National winner, Corbiere in 1983 and then Royal Athlete in 1995.

For more information, competition entry and advanced early-bird tickets please visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk or call 01305 264249.