MORNING mist cleared for a glorious day of sunshine and large crowds on the re-arranged Exford Show ground on Wednesday, August 14.

An extended marquee was filled by Sally Davis with a wide range of arts, crafts and preserves, and the women of Devon and Somerset Staghounds, under the direction of Mrs Denzil Simms, held a very successful produce sale in their own marquee.

This was followed by a well supported Stags Horn competition organised by Alan Stapleton and friends and judged by Dick and Pat Lloyd.

Around the field were a selection of trade stands which varied from wines to saddlery to renewable energy and tools. The Countryside Alliance and Endangered Exmoor were well represented and recorded a great deal of interest from locals and visitors alike.

The showground was laid out by John Atkins and helpers and the Misses Bawden dispensed much needed light refreshments from the members' tent.

In the inter-hunt challenge, Janet Ackner brought together seven local teams of four members - two riding and two running - for an exciting competition in the main ring of jumps and obstacles which was won by the Devon and Somerset Staghounds team.

The highlight of the afternoon was the parade of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds with their huntsman Donald Summersgill, first whip John Stone and stud groom Gina Taylor. Lady Margaret Fortescue presented the cups

RESULTS

In-hand classes: District Brood Mare and Prideaux Cup, Mrs Wood and Mrs Boyles (Amazing Grace); foal of district brood mare, Mrss Wood and Mrs Boyles (Show Me Heaven); small brood mare, open Mrs Wood and Mrs Chanter (Agincourt); foal of small brood mare, Mrs Wood and Mrs Chanter (Astonish); open brood mare and Tate Trophy, Mrs Wood and Mrs Boyles (Amazing Grace); foal of open brood mare, Mrs Wood and Mrs Boyles (Show Me Heaven); Ben Faerie Foal Championship, Mrs Wood and Mrs Boyles (Show Me Heaven); reserve, Mrs Wood and Mrs Chanter (Astonish).

Hunter yearling and Carpendale Cup, Mr and Mrs Atkinson (Twilight); two-year-old hunter, Miss C. Mills (Expert Witness); three-year-old hunter and Gage Cup, Mrss Wood and Mrs Boyles (Stormhill Michael); small hunter/hack yearling, Mrs A. Hosegood (Thingy's Role); small hunter/hack, two years old, Mrs J. Lewis (Kookaburra); small hunter/hack, three years old, Mrs A. Nation (Eldorado Esquire). In-hand Championship, Mrs Wood and Mrs Boyles (Amazing Grace); reserve: Mrs A. Nation (Eldorado Esquire).

Ridden hunter classes: District hHunter and Stag's Head, Miss M. Mills (Roma Honeybag Tor); small hunter, Mrs A. Hosegood' (Sunley View); open hunter, Mrs Burrington (Boyzone); Raymond Helsby Cup, best ridden exhibit, Mrs Burrington (Boyzone); reserve Miss Mills (Roma Honeybag Tor); Fortescue Cup, best exhibit in the in-hand and ridden classes, Mrs Wood and Mrs Boyles (Amazine Grace); reserve, Mrs A. Nation (Eldorado Esquire).

Riding horses classes: Open riding coloured horse/pony, Mrs L. Martin (Horace); open riding horse, Mrs M. Searles (Charlie's Flight).

Mountain and Moorland: In-hand (all breeds) and Norah Harding Cup, Mrs P. Block (Little Park Rachel); in-hand (all breeds) ridden and Forman Cup, Mrs Waldron (Achriochtan Vanity).

Children's ponies: Best turned out, Oliver Cowling (Babysham); best leading rein, Vikki Maddox (Honeydale Sweet Surprise); Payne Cup, Vikki Maddox, reserve, Oliver Cowling. Family pony, Rebacca Branton (McCamley); best Pony Club type, Louise Rycroft (Brynsworthy Florentina). Working ponies: 13hh and under David Malcolm (Just a Mint);14hh and under, Fiona Rawle (Tawstock Polletta);15hh and under, Emma Saywell (Bonnie). Best veteran horse or pony, ridden, Sarah Malcolm (Flicka); fancy dress, Vikki and Katie Maddox.

Show jumping: Aged 12 and under, Lottie Lamacraft (Magic); novice combination, Jack Capel (Holly); scurry, Jack Capel (Holly); open, Diana Hobbs (What a Cheek).

Family Dog Show: Any variety puppy, Sue Horton (Tilly); sporting, Mrs Pressland (Nessie); non sporting, Mathew Jerrett (Barney); working breed, Jeanette Elliot (Toblerone); waggiest tail, Treharu Pollock (Peg); dog the judge would like to take home, Sophie Weymouth (Millie); contrasting pair, Mr Edwards (Tilly and Weaver); child's pet, Mr Bartle (Percy); most obedient, Nick Hawksely (Wumble). Champion of Champions, Jeanette Elliot (Toblerone).