Hobby horses set to replace real steeds at historic country show over health and safety concerns

HOBBY horses will replace real steeds at an historic country show because of health and safety concerns.

Organisers said they wanted to protect the welfare of the animals and their riders, as well as blaming recent heavy rain.

It is thought it will be the first time in 143 years that real horses will not feature at Millom and Broughton Agricultural Show, which is being held today in Broughton in Furness, Cumbria.

Instead, there will be children’s hobby horse classes, with participants using a stick horse to compete in movements similar to show jumping or dressage.

One outraged social media user said: “More rules and regulations are ruining age old traditions.

“But don’t worry, we will have people prancing around with horse heads on a stick.

"At least it’ll be good for a laugh.”

Another said: “What a shame. I used to ride a gelding that always went much better in the worst of conditions.”

A Millom and Broughton Show committee member said: “We have had to change a few things round due to the weather.

“We are incorporating the hobby horse section as it’s a relatively new sport that youngsters are taking part in — we are trialling it this year.

“It’s to keep the young ones still interested.

“From a health and safety point of view, we cancelled the equine section as we would have to get the heavier vehicles on the field.”