HUNDREDS or people from across the country lined the streets of Wickham for its annual equine spectacular.

Wickham is a small village of just over four thousand people but every year it holds the Wickham Horse Fair, England’s biggest and oldest horse fair.

It takes place on May 20 every year and can trace its origins back 800 years. It is one of just two major horse-trading events in the country.

For centuries crowds have gathered annually in the village to trade secrets, meet with friends and parade their stock. The fair includes bareback parades with ponies decorated with ribbon, straw, and harnesses.

It has long been an important date in the calendar of the travelling and Gypsy community.

Hundreds watched as riders and buggy drivers rode up and down the street. One buggy had its wheel come off but no-one was hurt.

Paul Williams, Chief Inspector of RSPCA South West, was there to keep an eye on the condition of the horses. He said: “We provide an equine team at the fair to assist the welfare of the horses. We monitor their welfare and we work with other bodies such as Wild Horse Welfare, a team from the police called Country Watch.”

He added: “We have a vet from the equine charity Redwings Horse Sanctuary and if someone is concerned about a horse we ask a vet to examine it.

“So far this year there was one thin horse we were concerned about. The owner was provided with welfare advice by the vet. To be fair, most horses here are in good condition.”