THE Teme Valley Hunt’s annual horse and dog show that has been held at Pilleth for 55 years saw its wettest year yet. Despite the awful conditions, there were 36 horse entries and lots of dogs at the Pilleth show on July 26.

The winner of the dog show was Bev John’s miniature Dachshund Rudy from Presteigne and the reserve champion Martin Price with Ted, also from Presteigne.

In the horse show, riders competing a clear round of jumping all received a rosette. Abby Skyrme riding Brandy won the beginners' jumping (fences not exceeding 1ft 9in), Mitch Ashdown riding Flo won the very novice class (fences not exceeding 2ft), Isabelle Stephens riding Scooby won the novice jumping (fences not exceeding 2ft 3in), Hannah Jones from New Radnor riding William won the intermediate jumping (fences not exceeding 2ft 6in) and Josh Deakins from Heyope riding Mr Jingles won the open (fences not exceeding 2ft 9in). Dressage Intro A and Prelim 4, 15 years and Under were won by Isabelle Stephens on Scooby and Intro A over 16s was won by Nicky Margrave-Jones and the Prelim over 16s by Ash Turner.

In hand showing classes Shirley Buchan with Bella won Best Yearling, Raymond Harrison with Emmarr won the large and small mountain and moorland class, Daniel Buchan with Megan won Best Coloured Palomino, Dun or Roan.

Ridden classes: Leo Clark with Comanche won Most Suitable Lead Rein; Ellie Morris Best Turned Out; Cherie Bufton with Just a Splash won Best Ridden Coloured Palomino, Spotted Dun or Roan; Isobel Stephens with Scooby won Most Suitable Pony Club or Pony Club Centre Pony. Best Rider over 8 Years was Ellie Morris on Maisie. Working hunter class winners were Rachel Colley trekking horse (tack and rider equipped for 8hr trek), Isabelle Stephens with Scooby (working hunter 14.2hh) and Cherie Bufton on Just a Splash (working hunter 14.2hh and over). The Champion Pony was Emmarr owned by Raymond Harrison from Bleddfa. This was Emmarr’s first show.

Champion horse was Just a Splash ridden by Cherie Bufton from Penybont and reserve horse was Scooby ridden by Isabelle Stephens from Felindre. The Overall Show Champion was Emmarr and reserve was Just a Splash. Members of Teme Valley Hunt and their helpers were kept busy all day, making hot drinks and food for the soggy competitors, judges, stewards and spectators.

Ann Price, who helped to start the show in 1960, said: “We have had rain before but not all day long like we had this year."