Horses will ‘rein’ supreme at this year’s Dorset County Show.

Visitors can expect more galloping, trotting and showjumping than previous years at what is setting up to be an equestrian extravaganza.

The horse show has been a vital part of the two-day event since it started in 1840, however, this year’s horse show promises to be bigger than ever, with four dedicated equine rings, an exciting falconry demonstration on horseback and new competitive classes.

Show secretary Will Hyde said: “Horse and showjumping classes are extremely important to Dorset County Show, we have worked hard to keep them at the core of the agricultural show because we want them to be enjoyed by enthusiasts and the general public alike.”

New classes will be introduced into this year’s horse show, such as the Foreign Breed classes which are open to any horse or pony that is non-indigenous to Britain.

The competition will also include a fast-paced double harness scurry, a heavy horse section, private driving classes and a coaching marathon, with teams of three of four horses pulling a coach.

Jenny Pitman OBE is set to return as a judge in the retrained racehorse classes. Jenny is a former racehorse trainer and author, who became the first women to train a Grand National winner with Corbiere in 1983.

Mr Hyde added: “One thing we pride ourselves on at Dorset County Show is the dedication of our stewards and the high calibre of our judges. Many of the stewards have been part of the show for years, which helps the show run so smoothly. However, the thing that really helps keep the standards high is the experienced judges we manage to attract, many of them judge Horse of the Year qualifiers and they always enjoy the standard of competitors here at Dorset County Show.”

The Dorset County Show will be held at the Dorchester Showground from Saturday, September 2 to Sunday, September 3.

For more information, competition entry and advanced early-bird tickets go to: www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk or call 01305 264249.