Spectators and competitors came from all over the region to enjoy an historic horse show held in one of Suffolk’s most beautiful settings.

The Framlingham Horse Show – celebrating its 119th year – was held on the town’s Castle Meadow against the backdrop of the 12th century Norman castle.

While visitors to the show were slightly down on last year, organisers were still delighted with the turn-out.

Honorary show director Sue Bell said: “I think part of the problem was that some people anticipated that it was going to be stinkingly hot and possibly made alternative arrangements to do other things when they might have otherwise come to us.

“But we still had a really good number of people for the day and everyone enjoyed themselves.

“It wasn’t blaringly hot and sunny but it was ideal conditions for the riders as it can be very uncomfortable if it is too hot and especially the horses.”

About 300 competitors took part in a variety of classes.

Miss Bell said: “One of the most popular classes was the Suffolk foals.

“They were very beautiful and one of two put on their parts which was like watching a naughty puppy. People loved them.

“There was a lovely atmosphere all day and people love coming because of the unique backdrop we have with the castle.”

President of Framlingham Livestock Association for this year’s show was Graham Glasse, who has served on the organising committee since the early 1980s, including acting as general secretary of the show for 13 years.

Miss Bell said: “I was so pleased it went well for Graham.

“He has served the show so well over the years and this was the icing on the cake for him.”

The association was delighted to have three elite judges among this year’s panel.

Classes in the grand rings and meadow ring included pony club, ridden hunters, local leading rein with entries open only to people living with a 15-mile radius of the show, moorland ponies, the Suffolk horses, and hunter brood mares, foals and yearlings.

There were also driving competitions and showjumping.

Framlingham Horse Show is affiliated to the Suffolk Horse Society (SHS) and is a qualifier for the Suffolk Horse Society Awards, and also is a qualifier for the Supreme Suffolk Horse Championship, which will be held at the Animal Health Tust at Newmarket on September 1.