Man’s best friend shared the spotlight with an equine gathering at the home of the oldest stud farm breeding Suffolk’s famous heavy horse.

Man’s best friend shared the spotlight with an equine gathering at the home of the oldest stud farm breeding Suffolk’s famous heavy horse.

Visitors to the Suffolk Punch Trust, in Hollesley, enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of a family fun horse and dog show on Saturday.

It was the second event of its kind at the trust – dedicated to preserving Suffolk Punch horses, which were among the breeds on show. The event was the brainchild of stud manager Tracey Pettitt, whose aim it was to recreate the kind of shows she entered as a child.

Fun classes included ‘best mane and tail’, ‘handsomest gelding’, ‘handy pony/horse’ and gymkhana. Dog owners also got the chance to enter their four-legged companions in a variety of classes like ‘waggiest tail’, ‘best trick’ and ‘best rescue’. Some dogs even tried their paw at ‘musical sits’, which Miss Pettitt described as a canine version of musical chairs in which owners sit their dogs on carpets as the music stops.

She added: “The whole day is designed for fun. Horse riders who might not have top-of-the-range gear can get out there and give it a go.”

Proceeds from the event will go towards the trust.