A trip to the Dorset County Show

We had a fabulous day at the Dorset county show – black clouds and the threat of rain had us 'umming and arring' about going but we are very glad we did.

The Dorset County show is one of the bigger agricultural shows with something for everyone. From livestock and farming to crafts and gardening plus a whole host of trade and charity stalls along the countless walkways.

The displays and attractions were almost too numerous to name but some of the best were the Bolddog Lings motor bike display team, Titan the Robot, rabbits, horses, goats, vintage cars and tractors, dog agility, Pony Club Games, Adams Axemen, the excitement of the scurry racing, ferret racing, terrier racing, and the fascinating Wolf Man Shaun Ellis.


My favourite display was the superb 'falconry on horseback' performed by Jonathan Marshall. The combination of unique falconry skills and superb showmanship held me spellbound. The stars of the show included Hawks, Falcons and Eagles which displayed incredible agility and speed. I can honestly say I could have watched nothing else all day and gone home content!
I would love to participate in a ‘horseback falconry day’ but don't think I have the courage. This is the preamble from  Jonathan Marshall's website  - After an introduction to the Harris Hawks and Arabian horses you will be shown how to handle and fly the hawks before being shown how to ride the horse using one hand. This is followed by a ride through beautiful woodland and open fields flying the hawks to the glove. After lunch fly Peregrine falcons and a pure White Gyr Falcon on the high hills near Exmoor. Learn to swing a lure for the fastest creatures on earth.  How wonderful does that sound?

Number two on my list of favourite things was the fantastic dog and duck sheepdog demo with eight ducks (or possibly nine) being herded around the ring by three wonderful dogs. The funniest part of the whole day was when Lulu the sheepdog  'encouraged’ the ducks up a slide and down into a paddling pool, most of the ducks managed to miss the pool but Lulu was more than happy to jump in not once but twice! The crowds loved it.

The "push-me--pull-you"?

The horticulture and homecraft Marquees housed stunning displays of fruit, flowers, and vegetables, together with competition entries including everything from jams, wines, cakes, edible necklaces, garden sculptures, miniature gardens, art, photography, flower arranging and even scarecrows!


Loads of food stalls offered everything from cheeses, meats, cakes, sweets, breads, vegetables and pasties. We went home with a huge and delicious garlic bread and a pork and Silent Slasher (Dorset Piddle Silent Slasher Ale!) pie.  What a great way to end a wonderful day!

More 'photos from the show here