THERE was a record number of entries at last Saturday's Dartmoor Pony Moorland Show, held as usual in Princetown on Carnival Day.

This very popular show, with classes for everyone, attracted entries from all over the county, with many of the entries coming from the local Dartmoor farmers.

In-hand judge Martin Ball had some very well filled classes of quality ponies, some novice ponies were on their first outing and all behaved particularly well.

The large novice class was won by Mrs Aylesbury-Rodgers with Wistmans Grey Wethers, who also won the gelding class, a lovely young pony with a great future..

The yearling entries were plentiful, which allowed the class to be split; Mr and Mrs Brewington's Dural Desdemona heading the fillies and Mr Howarth-Podesta's colt Trefursdon Nutcracker taking not just his class but the Youngstock Championship as well.

Mrs Diana Coaker's Sherberton foal won first the foal class, then everyone's hearts as she proceeded to gavotte around the ring showing off her qualities.

The winner of the stallion class, Mrs Jones and Miss Roberts's Hisley Cravat, then went on to take the Adult Champion and the Supreme Champion.

Mrs Dawn Collinson was a very popular judge with the children for the ridden classes.

She found her ridden champion in the leading rein winner, Mrs Spry's Dymond Morag-Rose, a lovely mare who behaved to perfection.

The young handlers' class proved so popular that it had to be split into two age groups.

The children really enjoy this class and come out laden with rosettes, sweets and prizes.

The overall winner Bethan Hearn was thrilled to be able to take home a trophy to keep for ever, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Vera Shillibeer.

A sad note was that the secretary from the start of the show, Colin Sturmer, is moving on, but the committee were delighted to be able to present him with a gift to thank him for all his efforts over the past years.