THE Midlands' favourite family-friendly farming event, CountryTastic returns this year on Thursday, April 18.

And with this year's theme of Horses and Ponies, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn all about things equine - including discovering different breeds and how to look after them, from huge heavy horses to modest Shetland ponies.

Visitors will also get the chance to meet the Gloucestershire Constabulary Mounted Police, who will be on hand to answer questions and explain how their horses play an important role in local policing.

People can try their hand at grooming ponies and meet a local farrier to find out about shoeing horses.

TV presenter and Cotswold Farm Park's Adam Henson will be headlining the show in the 'Ask the Farmer' classroom.

Head of shows at Three Counties Showground, Diana Walton said: "We love CountryTastic, it's such a fun show and it's fantastic seeing all the children having a wonderful time learning about life in the countryside.

"We've got lots of exciting activities for the whole family, from spinning wool into yarn, to learning how to press cheese. Plus, see the incredible Dancing Sheep do their 'Sheep Show Hustle'. It's edu-tainment at its finest!"

For an experience of what life is like as a farmer, the parades of livestock, pig agility ring and mock livestock market will have kids eager to meet and learn about farmyard animals from around Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Other highlights at the show will include the ever-popular tractor and trailer rides, the amazing Mid Western Gundog Display team, den building and cookery workshops. Other attractions include clay modelling and the play barn featuring a range of free activities including make and take crafts, hula hooping and painting with Junk Fish. New to the show this year, youngsters can try their hands at cricket sessions with Worcester Cricket Club.

CountryTastic takes places on April 18 from 10am to 5pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are priced at £5.50 for children (three - 15) and £8.50 for adults (16 plus). Children under the age of three will go free but will still require an entry ticket. No tickets will be available to buy on the day.

All tickets for shows and events at the Three Counties Showground can be found at threecounties.co.uk/buy-tickets/