THIS year’s Yorkshire Vet at Countryside Live had a record-breaking number of visitors, it has been announced.

The event, which took place at the Great Yorkshire Showground last weekend, saw 25 per cent more visitors than last year, with more than 15,000 attendees across the two days.

There were a number of equestrian competitions.

The Talented Showjumping Competition, judged by Graham and Tina Fletcher, was won by 10-year-old Lilly Aspell of Richmond.

This topped off a successful weekend for the rider which also saw her as part of the winning team in Northern Show Cross Junior Championship - achieving both with a pony she had ridden for only two weeks.

Graham Fletcher said: “We thought Lilly was a really talented little jockey and she had a lovely attitude.

“She wanted to do her best for her pony and I think she will go far.”

Competitions continued with the Mountain and Moorland Ridden Championship, which was taken by Victoria Edwards-Sonnex’s Dales stallion, Morlandsdale Mac, ridden by Emma Boardman.

Reserve went to Jennifer Cowan’s Welsh pony.

The event also hosted the National Farriery Championships for the first time.

The Apprentice section was won by Jon Zoutwell of Norfolk, and the senior title went to Lewis Balfour of Dundee.

Show director Charles Mills said: “We have had an incredible weekend, welcoming more than 15,000 visitors to the showground, many whom have never been before thanks to our partnership with The Yorkshire Vet and Channel 5.

“It’s given us the chance to tell the story of the countryside through exciting competitive classes with the animals, cookery demonstrations and hands on workshops for children, while offering the chance for fans of The Yorkshire Vet to meet their heroes in real life.”

In addition to the equestrian competitions, there were also a number of livestock classes including beef, sheep and poultry.