HORSE lovers will enjoy the extensive equine section of the Okehampton show, with 211 exhibitors saddling up for old and new classes.

There will be seven show rings, including one for showjumping, for the horse exhibitors to participate in from 8am onwards.

A panel of 20 judges will join show visitors to enjoy the event's qualifying show status for the West of England Heavy Horse Championships, the Victoria Food Company Open Private Driving Championship and the Osborne Refrigerators BDS National Championships. Many judges are equine experts from the South West while others will be travelling from as far as Staffordshire for the show.

The horse section secretary Jane Gillard said: 'We have 486 class entries this year, so we, as always, will be very busy! The new driving class will take up the whole of the main ring, as a class to be more entertaining and visual for show visitors, making it even busier. I am very grateful for stewards and other helpers on the day'.

A selection of 69 classes, including four non-affiliated showjumping, will be available for exhibitors to enter on the day. New classes include two Dartmoor Pony Heritage Pony Class 29a and 29b, sponsored by the Dartmoor Heritage Pony Trust. Class 59b is an extra driving class, previously available to just private driving, which now includes exercise vehicles to make it more accessible to others.

The Young Handlers Class 54 is new to exhibitors aged 12 years and under, with the youngest entry being only five years old!