The event featured five show rings and several classes for participants of all ages to enter.

The number of entrants equalled last year's record figures and underlined the popularity of the show.

Organiser Nicky Seaman said: "Riders have turned out in force despite the weather, due to the lack of this type of show.

"Some have travelled from as far away as London.

"We have a large amount of diverse classes and offer something for everyone."

Spectators were drawn to watch the Knight Frank puissance class, which required competitors to jump just two fences, one of which was a wall.

The height of the wall was raised each round until a winner was found, and tension and excitement built up as the children out-jumped the older competitors.

The winner, Patrick Martin from Dippenhall, proved himself to be a fine young horseman by taking joint first on both his ponies, Bobby and Dudley.

He was the only competitor to clear the wall at 4ft 3in.

Phoebe Carter (10) was a worthy challenger on her pony, Lucky Jim, who stands a mere 13.1 hands high – barely taller than the wall itself.

Phoebe, from Farnham, was placed joint third with 12-year-old Bella Milliken, from Blackmoor, on Jazz.