Newbury Show: Dogs, logs and more in the Countryside Area

There’s been lots going on the first day of Newbury Show this weekend.

The day in the Countryside Area started with Morris Dancing performed by male and female dancers of the Garston Gallopers.

Spectators were then treated to falconry displays, dog parades and more.

Some highlights included the Parade of Hounds at 10.45am.

More than a dozen pups from Eton College filled the arena — which visitors were allowed to pet.

The kennel huntsman told newburytoday: “They don’t really take much training at all because they mimic what the older hounds do.

“In the older days they would hunt hares. Now they hunt an artificial trail.”

And speaking about the show, he added: “It’s a fantastic show. It’s great there are still these two-day shows around.”

Shortly after, the Kintbury Working Gun Dogs stole the show, demonstrating their discipline and responding to whistle commands.

The instructor explained the dogs are trained young and taught to face the same way as their trainers, as they know this will result in a treat.

They then each retrieved balls, whilst the other dogs waited by patiently.

Later, the Wye Valley Axemen demonstrated their exceptional skill and stamina in professional wood chopping, individually and in a team.

One pair used a six-foot saw — made in Australia and nicknamed the ‘misery whip’ — to make short work of a horizontally placed log.

Three teams took part. They each scored under 12 seconds, under 15 seconds and 8 seconds respectively, even beating a modern day chainsaw.

What else did you enjoy in the Countryside Area? Please email your photos and comments to newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk or comment on newburytoday’s Facebook page.