The classes, are showing and include BSPS mountain and moorland, BSPS working hunter pony and CHAPS (UK) ridden coloured horses and ponies.

But also holding a masterclass will be international show jumper and trainer Graham Fletcher.

One of Yorkshire's most successful show jumpers, he is among the line up of top names on the Great Yorkshire Show Cock o' the North trophy.

He took the title on Preachon in 1980. Much of the event, billed as the Great Yorkshire Show's "little sister" and held at the Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate is undercover and the new classes will take place in an indoor showing ring at the side of the hall.

Liz Lorrimer, a familiar face as horse steward at the Great Yorkshire Show for the past three years is helping to oversee the new classes under the direction of chief horse steward Linda Brundenell.

Liz is also the newest member of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's equine committee.

"Competition always enlivens an event, as well as the displays," said Mrs Lorrimer, who is also a member of the Yorkshire sport horse committee, promoting the breeding of quality competition stock in the county.

"We have an additional award in each class for competitors from Yorkshire to encourage local people to take part, and some classes are also qualifiers for the British Show Pony Society winter champion-ships."

Countryside Live, takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, in the Yorkshire Event Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
Tickets bought in advance are £6 for adults, £5 concessions and £1 for children.

Bought at the gate, adults £8, concessions £7, children £2.
Ticket hotline 01423 541222