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SMILE PLEASE: Brother and sister, Luke, 4, and Anna Lochhead, 6.

THE weather remained on its best behaviour as the final flurry of visitors crammed into the New Park show ground for the last day of the New Forest Show yesterday.

Sadly, tragedy overshadowed the last day's events in the main arena when a pony suddenly died of natural causes while competing in the show ring.

Press spokeswoman Jackie Neylon said: "It was incredibly dramatic but there was nothing untoward about the pony's death. Unfortunately it was just one of those things.

"The stewards handled the incident incredibly calmly and have been praised for their efforts in tending to the animal in a dignified manner."

About 90,000 people are expected to have walked through the gates over the past three days and organisers are delighted with the success of this year's three-day event.

Successful Jackie Neylon added: "It's been a really successful show. For the first time we have had nothing but compliments.

"The new access road has made it really easy for everyone coming in and going out and the weather has been very good. We've had more visitors than ever from London. All in all everyone has had a fantastic time."

Visitors to the 40-acre show ground have been treated to traditional country pursuits, getting the chance to watch craftsmen like Rod Poynting carefully woodturning while others perused the vintage tractors and historical tools.

Steam engines in action as well as a vast display of sleek classic cars were enough to keep some happy while the Countryside Arena held some audience members fascinated for most of the day.

From ferret and terrier racing to fishing, falconry and gun dog displays, the arena was brimming with rural sporting pursuits. And with more than 600 stall holders showcasing their goods, visitors were soon laden with bags and goodies to take home as a memento of their day.

10:19am Friday 1st August 2008

HORSE POWER: This coach and horses makes an impressive sight. Order no: 7111876

Print   Email this   Comment The New Forest & Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst

This amazing County Show is not to be missed, as it is the highlight of Hampshire’s social calendar featuring all the attractions that have made it so popular for the best part of a century, bringing traditional country pursuits, new exhibitions and demonstrations to this unique event.
It is the year of Food & Farming so the Show will have an even greater emphasis on this for 2008.
You can enjoy tasting the best in the Food Halls, inhale the wonderful scents of the Flower show known as Hampshire’s answer to Chelsea, go back in time and revel in the age of steam or watch and wonder at the terrier, ferret and sheep racing! Mix with a huge range of animals and watch the livestock competitions and equestrian displays.
If you love finding a bargain, the Show has over 600 stands for you to browse through. There is definitely something for everyone.
Highlights for 2008 include the Shetland Pony Grand National, Christian Moullec and his flying Geese and International showjumping.
The Show also hosts a major Art Exhibition and the Fine Crafted Wood national competition to find the best trainee furniture maker in the UK.
Whatever your interests, you are guaranteed to have a great time, so don’t miss it. Look at www.newforestshow.co.uk for information. Coach companies ring 01590 622400 for block booking tickets