HUNDREDS of horse owners and riders from across the county attended the 20th Witherslack Horse Show held at Cartmel Racecourse.

Judging took place in four large rings with fierce competition for a wide variety of classes ranging from working hunter to ridden ex racehorses.

The event was aimed at riders and owners of all ages with classes also for novice pony, side-saddle, ridden coloured, ridden veterans, native pony and equitation.

The overall champions of the day were Ashleigh Patterson riding Gretna Giro and the Cockbain family, from Keswick, with a beautiful yearling fell pony filly in hand called Carrock Elsa.

John Cockbain said “We have had a fantastic season winning prizes at lots of shows including the Cumberland Show and the Royal Highland, so winning at Witherslack has been a joy for all our family.”

President Olive Clarke OBE presented a trophy to Ted Chapman who won the Arthur Clarke Cup for driving with his little pony, Tonto.

“I am still buzzing from winning the carriage speed race at Westmorland County Show,” said Mr Chapman. “I was on last after eight other drivers and the crowds went wild cheering this little chap on into first place by two seconds!”

At the end of the day, with the stress of competing over, young riders could have a go at jumping in the working hunter Ring.

Hadwins Auto has been the main sponsor since the first show back in 1995 and the event is also sponsored by numerous local businesses. The jumps were on loan from Ulverston District Equine Club. The raffle on the day raised £180 for Dean Barwick School in Witherslack.

Funds raised at the event and subsequent photo sales will go to North West Air Ambulance and the Breast Cancer Care Unit at Lancaster. Photographs can be ordered from local photographer Sandy Kitching’s website: sandyanimalphotographer.smugmug.com