WITH a clink and a clank, amid a fizz of sparks, farriers from far and wide will be competing this month for the title of world's best horse shoer at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

The two-day competition takes place as part of Countryside Live. It will be the first time Countryside Live has hosted the World Team Championships and the venue will be the showground's ten-bay forge.

“We have been able to host national and international events at Countryside Live since the forge opened," says Countryside Live's chief farriery steward, Jason Gajczak. "Now it's on a global stage because this is the best facility of its kind in the country by a long way."

Former world champions are booked to appear and teams will be battling for an all-expenses paid trip to the World Shoeing Classic in Kentucky next February.

Around 12,000 visitors are expected to attend the 12th annual Countryside Live rural extravaganza, which is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and, horse fettling aside, visitors will be able to enjoy pony rides, for the first time, as well as demonstrations by members of Savage Skills mountain bike display team.

The popular two-day event is a chance for primary school pupils from across the region to get close and personal with animals, while discovering the role farmers play in producing our food and looking after the countryside, through events such as cattle and sheep classes.

But horses are the firm favourites and organisers say equine numbers have reached an all-time high this year.

The Olympia Heritage Mountain and Moorland ridden qualifiers section is sure to be hotly contested, giving spectators an opportunity to see the cream of Britain's native ponies. It is the last chance saloon for a shot at the national title, because Countryside Live provides the final opportunity to qualify for December’s Olympia.

If that wasn't enough, there is the Search for a Talented Show Jumper competition where up-and-coming riders can learn from Olympians Graham and Tina Fletcher.

The indoor arena will also be packed with fun and entertainment. On offer are classes for best pony and rider combination, working hunter ponies, coloured ridden horses and a coloured working hunter pony class.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon a fancy dress competition will allow children and ponies to wow the judges with their eye-catching costumes.

Other attractions during the weekend include: The Northern Show Cross Series Finale, dog agility demonstrations, falconry displays, Diggerland Experience and a flowers, fruit, and vegetable show courtesy of Knaresborough Horticultural Society.

Countryside Live offers a chance to see the whole of the countryside in one go and with 90 per cent of it under cover, it promises to be a great family outing – whatever the weather.

• Countryside Live takes place on October 18 and 19. Opening Times: 9am – 5.30pm on both days. Car parking is free and extensive. Please note dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed at the event.

• Ticket prices are adults £9, children £5, family £24 when booked before October 10. On the gate: adult £11, children £6, family £30. Ticket line number: 01423 541222, website:countrysidelive.co.uk