Rural community drawn to South Molton for its annual agricultural fair

The South Molton Show hosts equestrian events of showjumping, eventing and pony and trap riding that by the 1930s are more popular. A man demonstrates riding standing up in a cart pulled by a Shire horse. Shire horses are known as draught horses because they carry ale or beer in barrles to the public house or pub. Enthusiasts and some breweries keep up this tradition to stem the decline and possible loss of Shire horse breeds.

It is now known as the North Devon Show. South Motlon is on the River Mole near Barnstaple and the show is North Devon's main event on the agricultural calendar. Established since the 1850s it is known also as a prime sheep livestock market. Nestled close to Exmoor, South Molton is surrounded by the wild agricultural beauty of sheep and cattle farms and grew up as a market town with the wool trade. The show is unique in the fact all livestock are sold in the ring and not in pens. Nearly 3000 lambs and cull ewes are typically traded in one day.