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CATTLE

Various classes of cattle are judged, with winners receiving rosettes or trophies and small cash prizes.

The most popular pure breed of beef cattle in Britain is Limousin, while other common Continental varieties include Charolais and Simmental. Native British breeds include Aberdeen Angus, Herefords, South Devons and British Blue. The most popular breed for dairy cattle is Holstein-Friesian, which produces about 80% of the UK's milk. Jerseys and South Devons create especially rich milk from which clotted cream is produced in south-west England.

A boy has a go at handling this cow (a Limousin, with a brown head and body)

A prize-winning dairy cow (a Holstein-Friesian, with black and white head and body)

This Hereford cow has a rest in the Cattle Tent (a Hereford, with a white head and brown/white body)

British Cattle Author: Val Porter Publisher: Shire Publications Ltd Date: November 2001

The Secret Life of Cows Author: Rosamund Young Publisher: Farming Books & Videos Date: April 2007

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HORSES

The industrial revolution led to the use of tractors and other forms of agricultural machinery, but before this time horses were an important source of labour on farms. Many shows include demonstrations of some of the ways in which horses were used, for example to pull hay carts or for ploughing the fields.

Showjumping competitions often takes place at the showground. Horses must jump over a series of obstacles in the correct order. The winner is the rider who completes the course in the fastest time and who achieves a clear round or the lowest number of faults.


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The judge checks a dog

Many different breeds take part

Terrier racing is an unusual sport which is fun to watch: a set of terriers try to catch a moving object on a rope, controlled by a man with a pedal. Terriers have traditionally been used by farmers to deal with problems caused by rats and rabbits.

A sheepdog display shows off the herding skills of sheepdogs, although because of the limited space at a county show this is usually done with birds rather than sheep (if you enjoy watching sheepdogs you may enjoy making a visit to a sheepdog trial - these used to be shown regularly on television in a programme called One Man and His Dog, but recently this has been shown only once a year as a Christmas special).

Terrier racing (by the Tricky Tykes Terrier Racing Display Team)

Sheepdog display (by Bob Hogg Sheepdog Display)

The Hunting Act 2004 banned hunting of wild animals with dogs in England and Wales, after a similar act was passed in Scotland in 2002. However there are exemptions within the laws which have allowed some traditional hunting societies and packs of foxhounds to remain. The Thame Show included a display by the Vale of Aylesbury Hunt and their foxhounds, and by the Old Berkeley Beagles.

A rider from the Vale of Aylesbury Hunt

A pack of foxhounds

A beagle picks up a scent

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BIRDS & RABBITS

Some county shows have a tent where caged birds (pigeons and exotic birds) and rabbits are exhibited. This is a chance to see many different varieties and perhaps to ask questions about caring for these animals.


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MOTOR BIKES

Motor cycle display teams often entertain the crowds in the main ring. They perform stunts such as jumping over cars, high speed crossovers, and acrobatics either on the ground or in mid-air. The photos below are of the Motorcycle Display Team of the Royal Artillery, at the 2008 Thame Show.

Motor cycle jumping over four cars

Five riders balancing on a bike

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STALLS

There are always a wide variety of trade stands, plus craft and food stalls for visitors of all ages.

Willow crafts

Sweets stall

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HORTICULTURE

Flowers, fruit or vegetables produced by local gardeners or horticulturalists may be on display in a tent. The sizes of some of the vegetables will usually impress ...


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COOKING

There may be live cookery demonstrations, or competitions in which home-made cakes, biscuits, jams or other products are judged by an expert.

Cookery demonstration

Cookery competition: a Victoria sandwich

Judges comment on each entry

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FUNFAIR

Fairground stalls may be set up, allowing visitors to test their skill or luck to win a prize. Sometimes a travelling fair is invited to the nearby town or village to provide evening entertainment after the show.

Throw the ball in the milk churn ...

... to win a prize such as this

One of the funfair rides in the centre of Thame

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