THE whole spectrum of ploughing through the ages was demonstrated at Hartley Park Farm in Selborne on Sunday – from heavy horses to the latest in 21st Century tractors.

It was the first ploughing match the North East Hants Ploughing Society had held since joining forces with the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association’s ‘Great All England Heavy Horse and Country Fair’.

It was a colourful scene with vintage tractors dating from 1959 and beyond accompanying the majestic power of the heavy horses who were, or course, the star attraction.

For the organisers, there was the threat the event might not go ahead with Storm Brian heading in, but North East Hants Ploughing Society secretary Rebecca Peek said: “The rain held off until the very end and the ground was fine for the matches.”

“We had the most wonderful sunny and fresh autumn day. Yes, it was windy and a few gazebos were abandoned otherwise they might have taken flight, but with the help of tractors from the local farms, as well as Hartley Park Farm, we were able to get in all the horse boxes, trade stands and tractors.

“Progress was a little slow to begin with and we started a little later than planned, but visitors were undeterred and queued up to join us,” she added.

In the event, the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association had one of their record entries at the gate, and North East Hants Ploughing Society had a record number of ploughing match competitors.

Ms Peek said: “The combination of the two matches gave spectators a chance to see the history and development of ploughing through the last few centuries – the original way of ploughing with horses, the vintage tractors of the pre-1960s, and the modern tractors and ploughs of the later 20th and early 21st Century machines.

“The country fair was a great attraction and the whole family had an opportunity to get involved.

“Dogs were welcome and there was a family fun dog show, and rides were being given by the Fullers Brewery dray, a very impressive spectacle.

“There’s nothing more exciting than getting up close and personal with a giant heavy horse – a truly magnificent animal.”

Other arena displays included Graham Watkins, of Gamegoer, with his gun dogs and birds of prey, the Area 12 Ladies Side Saddle Association, and a Punch and Judy Show.

The presentations took place in the main rings when Simon Butler presented the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association showing awards while Tim and Anne Butler presented the North East Hants Ploughing Society ploughmen’s awards.

The event organisers have expressed grateful thanks to the Butler family for the use of a field at Hartley Park Farm, to the event sponsors, and to the army of volunteers “without whom events like this would not happen”.

Results:

Show ring champion: Shearbrook Nina (owned by Kerri Mack)

Show ring reserve champion: Harbridge Molly (owned by Karen Scipio)

Champion Ploughman and Short Turnfurrow winner: Jim Elliott (from County Durham, with Danny and Tommy)

Reserve Champion Ploughman and Long Turnfurrow winner: Peter Hayler (from Kent, with Sid and Sam).