The Castlewellan Show 2017

Yesterday was the day of the Castlewellan Show. There had been very heavy rain the night before, and the sky was grey, but that didn't stop a huge crowd from turning out. We saw the cattle first.

Someone was going home with a lot of rosettes!

We caught a glimpse of a pig class being judged.

Teddy was with us, wearing his blue bandana.

Donkeys and carts were being judged.

Leaving the Donkeys, we went into the Home Industries tent to see how my photos got on in the competition. To my delight, Audrey's photo came second in the Portrait - Colour category!

This photo of Prudence came third in the Up With The Larks category.

In the Golden Moment category, this precious photo of our much missed friends Nobby and Ben came highly commended.

In the Portrait - Black & White category, however, my luck ran out and Pip's photo wasn't placed.

I really loved this winning cake - isn't it genius?

People had the chance to help name this adorable puppy. All this attention is tiring.

Over to the sheep next (my favourite part, no surprises there). These ones had some impressive horns.

Teddy had a relax next to them.

The Charollais sheep were being judged.

As always there were sheep of all shapes and sizes.

Teddy making friends.

One Zwartbles ewe in particular was very friendly.

We said goodbye to Teddy's new friend and went to look at even more sheep.

Teddy had more admirers.

Some nice Kerry Hills.

A nice Charollais.

And a massive Hampshire Down tip.

We caught a glimpse of some showjumping.

I was very excited to meet the absolutely adorable Cora!

And a fun Sprollie called Milo!

Where the horse trailers are parked affords them a great view of the showground. This horse was enjoying it.

A Hackney pony warming up for their class.

Haylage customer Rosie, her family and her gorgeous horse.

Young horses were being judged too.

At 3 o'clock the dogs were gathering outside the ring.

Toni gave Teddy some pre-competition cuddles.

Teddy in the ring, being a good boy.

The dogs strutted their stuff in several classes.

The winner of Smallest Dog wanted to eat its prize!

Teddy left the ring unplaced in Most Appealing Pet, but with a second place rosette for Best Behaved Dog - so proud!

After all that excitement Toni and I ordered something to eat. What would you like, Teddy?

It was a fantastic day, but there was one more surprise in store - Teddy was on the cover of the programme book!

It was a marvellous day, if a bit tiring! I wonder what next year will have in store...