Man’s best friend shared the spotlight with an illustrious equine gathering at the home of the oldest stud farm breeding Suffolk’s famous heavy horse breed.

Visitors to the Suffolk Punch Trust, in Hollesley, near Woodbridge, enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of a family fun horse and dog show this weekend.

It was the second event of its kind at the Trust – dedicated to the preservation of Suffolk Punch horses, which were among the many breeds on show and in friendly competition.

The show was the brainchild of stud manager Tracey Pettitt, whose aim it was to recreate a “traditional fun show” akin to the kind she entered as a child.

Events on the day included fun classes such as ‘best mane and tail’, ‘handsomest gelding’, ‘handy pony/horse’ and gymkhana.

Dog owners also got the chance to enter their four-legged companions – no matter what size, shape or breed – in a variety of classes like ‘waggiest tail’, ‘best trick’ and ‘best rescue’. Some canines could even try their paw at ‘musical sits’, which Miss Pettitt described as a doggy version of musical chairs in which competitors rush to the middle of the show ring and sit their dogs on carpet samples as the music stops. She added: “The whole day is designed for people to have fun. Novice horse riders who might not have top-of-the-range gear can get out there and give it a go.

“We haven’t sat down to count the money pot yet but it certainly seems to have been a success.”

Money raised from the event will go towards the Trust’s work preserving the Suffolk Punch breed.