A WORLD renowned equestrian expert will be part of the judging panel at the Cheshire County Show next month.

Arab horse expert Peter Upton will judge the World Breeds category in the competition based at the Cheshire Agricultural Society, Knutsford.

Twice president of the Arab Horse Society of Britain, Peter has years of international judging experience and has also written several books on the subject, including ‘Arabians’ and ‘Out of the Desert’.

He said: “I’m very much looking forward to coming to Cheshire as I’ve never visited or judged there before, and the sheer variety of horse breeds on offer at the show will make it really exciting and interesting.

“All of the horses there except the Icelandic are of Arab extraction, and I’m confident there’ll be lots of great examples of each breed on display.

Judging will start on Tuesday June 17 and with as many as 80,000 people attending the event in recent years, it is one of the most established shows in the country.

It is the first time the World Breeds category is part of the Cheshire Show, with Palomino, Pure Raza Espanola, Appaloosa, Haflinger, Friesian, Fjord, Icelandic, Morgan and Lipizzaner horses all expected to take part.

Chief Steward of the show Mike Daley said: “We believe we are the only show to have ten world breed classes for horses and ponies this year, and having Peter Upton as the judge is absolutely wonderful.

“He is acknowledged as a true expert in the equine world, and his judging is of the highest possible standard.”

Peter added: “We have a real affair with horses in this country and there’s nowhere else you could go to a show every week.

“Cheshire promises to be really special as it’s the only show to have such diversity in its World Breeds category.”

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £12 for senior citizens and concessions, £7 for children between the ages of five and 16 years or family tickets cost £33 for two adults and two children.

For more information visit cheshirecountyshow.org.uk or follow them on social media at @cheshireshow on Twitter or facebook.com/cheshirecountyshow.