AFTER the horror of foot and mouth disease how good it is to see all the animals around the countryside and there is no better place to get close to them than the agricultural shows.

We arrived early at the Great Yorkshire Show to see a majestic bull, pictured above, and a large handsome shire horse covered in bubbles and being hosed down while others queued to take their place along the wall where the taps were.

What a wonderful sight to see the champions paraded in the main rings, and the horses and riders (some only three and led by their mothers) competing in games, jumping and disciplines.

The amount of time, commitment, care and attention their owners give them is amazing. We hope to enjoy our annual trip to the Thornton-le-Dale show tomorrow and be thrilled again.

George and Sylvia Appleby,

Leighton Croft,

Clifton, York.

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, August 03, 2004