Sunday 4 September 2011

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

6 comments:

  1. My, this sounds like the best of days. What fun. I'm impressed with the Jonathan Marshall website.

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  2. barbaraannefisher4 September 2011 at 20:02

    It really was a wonderful day so I’m glad that comes across. I was thrilled to find the Jonathan Marshall website as his show was just breathtaking. Part of it was set to music and it was like watching a wonderful ballet with horse, bird and man in perfect harmony. I’m sorry if that sounds a bit mushy but it’s the only way I can describe it.

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  3. Who knitted the neck of the "Push-me-Pull-you"?
    Glad you had such a lovely day - wish we had been there, must try and make it next year and the photo's are super.

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  4. barbaraannefisher5 September 2011 at 11:37

    Probably one of the lady’s from the craft tent!! I hope you can make it next year it’s definitely worth the effort.

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  5. I love when you go to fairs and things like this and post the pictures. I think the UK can do this kind of thing better than anyone, I guess cause they have been at it so long. I have seen records of fairs and market days going back to the 1300s. Now, I wish I had a Cornish pasty :(

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  6. barbaraannefisher5 September 2011 at 17:26

    What a lovely thing to say, thank you. Now I wish I could send you a Cornish pasty! :)

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Barbara xx