HORSES and hounds strutted with shiny coats and swooshing tails at a country fair.

The animals entertained dog lovers and equestrian enthusiasts at the Thame Horse and Country Show yesterday, where competitions included showjumping and Shetland riding.

Miniature smooth dachshund Pippa, 14 months, beat others of her breed to claim three first prizes during a dog pageant.

Her owner Carol Hemming said: “We did very well, there were lots of dogs and different breeds. I wasn’t confident as I am fairly new to showing, so I was very pleased. The judges said she moved very well.”

The 62-year-old, who attended the show with her niece, said Pippa is one of three dogs who live at her home in Buckinghamshire.

She added: “She is very cheeky and greedy. She is definitely the boss of my two labradors.”

The event at Thame Showground was pulled together by a team of enthusiastic local fundraisers in place of Oxfordshire County and Thame Show, which organisers cancelled because of financial losses and poor turnout.