The popularity of the horse section at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival continues to grow each year and draws competitors and horse-mad spectators from far and wide.

The 2016 festival will not disappoint eager equine enthusiasts with 86 classes scheduled throughout the weekend of May 21 and 22 promising an exciting two-days of competitions.

For the second year running the festival will host classes in two rings with working hunter and show jumping competitions, the affiliated CHAPS (Coloured Horse & Pony Society) Mid Wales Regional Show classes and new for this year, the British Miniature Horse Society classes, Donkey Breed Society classes and the Veteran Horse Society Area Qualifier 2016.

With the deadline of April 11 fast approaching, the horse entries and stable applications have been coming in thick and fast. Only pre-entries will be accepted, there will be no entries taken at the event. Schedules and entry forms can be found at www.rwas.wales

But that’s not all… visitors to the Spring Festival will also be treated to a spectacular demonstration from the Gentle Giants Shire Horse display team who will wow the crowds. They’ll demonstrate their strength and abilities and even challenge the children to a game of tug-of-war!

Another spectacle not to be missed in the festival main ring is the exhilarating scurry driving competitions. This exciting equine sport gets the crowds gasping and cheering as pairs of ponies pulling specially-built racing carriages weave their way through a series of obstacles at break-neck speed, culminating in the championships on Sunday.

And if that wasn’t enough horsey business, we will also be joined by an equine celebrity. Coming to the festival with the Veteran Horse Society is their patron, a very gallant and humble 28 year old horse called Percy.

Percy is best known for his appearances in the films Braveheart and Rob Roy, where he was ridden by Mel Gibson and Liam Neeson respectively. Despite having retired from his acting roles and being of very modest character, Percy is very much looking forward to meeting his adoring fans at the Spring Festival.

Along with the many different horse classes and equestrian themed activities, displays and trade stands, visitors to the Spring Festival will also be able to benefit from a huge range of other attractions and an action-packed programme of events all weekend. There will be hundreds of other livestock competitions going on, a Premier Open Dog Show, gardening displays, vintage machinery displays, a dedicated Smallholder Centre, a Food and Drink Quarter, Country Life area and much more.

For more information, or to get your discounted e-ticket, visit www.rwas.wales Remember, all children aged 16 and under can come to the Spring Festival for free.