THE 126th Exford Horse Show endured some typical moorland weather, but it failed to dampen spirits and has been hailed as highly successful.

With over 100 horse showing entries, plus the Exmoor Pony breed show, the sheep show with the Exmoor horn, Exmoor mule and Devon closewool, all classes were very well supported.

There was hot competition for the best antlers in the Stag Horn Competition which was won by Lisa Acerman.

Despite the rain, the family dog show had a bumper crop of entries with Sonny Foster and Freye winning the championship.

And the craft tent was filled with locally made produce and artisan crafts of high quality.

In the afternoon, spectators were treated to a falconry display from a retrained racehorse, including an unscheduled departure of a hawk which landed on a nearby car and had to be retrieved.

There was also the parade by the Devon and Somerset Staghounds after which all were invited into the ring to meet the hounds and the huntsman.

The finale of the afternoon was the ever-popular and exciting inter-hunt relay challenge with nine teams competing, running and riding.

It was won by Team Godsal from Withypool, in second place The Withypool Wanderers, third were the Exmoor Ramblers and fourth Tiverton Staghounds, who also won the best turned-out.

For the results, buy this week’s Free Press (August 30).