The cattle judging rings and the centre arena were spared the Tableland drizzle this year and competitors and onlookers enjoyed the warm winter sunshine.

Both cattle and horse competitions benefited from the expertise of judges brought in from outside the local area and all judges commented on the high standard of the stock on show.

Malanda is prime dairying country and this was reflected in the range of quality Holstein/Friesian, Illawarra and Jersey cattle exhibited by local breeders.

Equestrian events included Dressage and Pony Club events, Hacking, Harness, and Showjumping and there were also novelty and dress up competitions.

Geoff Toomby entertained the crowd with his horse and dog show, there was a display by the Light Horse Troupe and six-bar showjumping kept the evening crowd enthralled.

*Full story in this week’s North Queensland Register, out Thursday.