Royal Cornwall Show -

Despite the mechanical and electronic age, horses still play a prominent part in the British way of life.

And although heavy horses might no longer be the agricultural powerhouse they once were, there are well supported classes at the show.

New this year are separate classes for the magnificent Suffolk Punch.

After a good showing last year, classes have been created and a strong turnout is expected.

In recognition of this special development, the Suffolk Horse Society is presenting every entry with a specially-commissioned brass.

You can watch all the competitions and judging and you can wander round the horse lines. It's like being back stage in the theatre watching the performers going through their pre-show routines.

If you are interested in horses, there's going to be something at the 2013 show to catch your eye.

The main ring and rings two and three feature a feast of horse competitions on every one of the three days, each day's programme culminating in a parade of prize winners.

It's a grand sight for any horse-lover and impressive even if you have only a passing interest. Horses make a huge contribution to this show.

Don't miss the Francis Clark (Chartered Accountants) Driving Competitions on the first and second days, the huge range of native pony classes on the second day and the magnificent shire and heavy horses on the third.

Show jumping is a strong feature of the Royal Cornwall Show and attracts national attention.

Many top-class riders are attracted to the competitions with a range of classes run over all three days.

As a main ring event, showjumping is both traditional and exciting; the experience of being so close to the action brings home the power of the horses and the skill of the riders.

For 2013 there is again a strong range of classes on offer

The Association are very grateful to Horse and Jockey Bakery (Helston and Porthleven), South West Loos, Surf & Turf Instant Shelter, NSR Communications and Tincknell Cornwall Fuels for their generous sponsorship of classes.

Pony classes, both ridden and led, are run in rings two and three at the Royal Cornwall Show, on Friday and Saturday and they always attract large crowds.

People travel from all over the country to have their ponies compete here, which ensures a high quality field and good standard of competition.

There's great variety on display - from native breeds such as Dartmoors and Exmoors, through to working hunter ponies being put through their paces over a jumping course.

A smartly turned out donkey is a very impressive sight. Here at the Royal Cornwall you'll see them in large numbers and in many different guises. From mares with foal at foot to driving donkeys.

There's even a class for the most versatile donkey of any age. All they have to do is complete a course specially designed to test both obedience and ability! The donkey classes are staged on Saturday 8th June in Ring Three.