THE largest and oldest horse show in East Anglia successfully combined traditional events with new attractions to appeal to a wider generation.The 131st show at the Suffolk Showground, Ipswich, was visited by thousands of people and there were up to 1,000 entries for the classes.

THE largest and oldest horse show in East Anglia successfully combined traditional events with new attractions to appeal to a wider generation.

The 131st show at the Suffolk Showground, Ipswich, was visited by thousands of people and there were up to 1,000 entries for the classes. The EADT was one of the sponsors.

The original purpose of the show when it was formed in 1871 was to encourage horse breeding and the event derived its importance from being the first exhibition of the Suffolk Horse season.

Mark Donsworth, show director, said: "I am trying to keep the traditions – that is the whole point of the show – but we have to welcome the new generation of horse owners coming through and provide new classes."

Classes for Irish Draught Horses were recently introduced, the layout of rings was altered to give more space and the show's first shoeing competition was held. This was popular with spectators.

A children's funfair provided entertainment for children as parents watched the ring events and there were trade stands for mainly horse-related fare.

One of the main attractions was the Suffolk Horse. There was one of the biggest turnouts for many years with 44 horses and there was a display of Western horse riding.

Lee Rutter, of Regency Quarter Horses, Bramfield, illustrated the discipline when he rode Maiguy Zip, a Quarter Horse owned by Jane Wallis. Western horse riding originated in America where particular skills were developed by cowboys who spent a lot of time on horseback and needed to be comfortable.

Three briefings were held throughout the day for the 80 stewards to ensure that the latest health and safety regulations were met and Mr Donsworth said: "There are so many regulations these days but I wanted to make sure they everybody is not dragged down by them and the aim is to be aware of the regulations but have fun."

Long queues of traffic built up during the morning from Ipswich by visitors keen to attend the show.

Mr Donsworth added: "We have had one of the biggest attendances. Our car parks are nearly full and the queues have taken us by surprise. We are amazed by how many of the public are here."