Great Yorkshire Show

The Horsley family from Acaster Selby near York have been showing pigs at agricultural shows for four generations.

Tricia Horsley's Grandfather started showing in the 1920s when the family lived in Fulford. Her Father took over in the 1940s and moved to Acaster Selby.

She's carried on the family tradition and as for the fourth generation, all of Tricia's children take part in some way themselves. Charlotte has Tamworths and Large Whites. Matthew has Saddlebacks, Camilla at 13 is just starting with Berkshires and five year old Alicia has a Berkshire called Sam.

Just to make sure no one is left out, big sister Georgina is a steward at both the Great Yorkshire Show and the Tockwith Show.

Matthew Horsley and friend!

Sixteen year old Matthew says there's friendly rivalry between generations, it's good fun and they all enjoy the experience of showing their animals all over the country.

Tricia showed Middle Whites at last year's Great Yorkshire Show and it takes time and care to get them ready for the show. Pigs are the only animals that are taken into the show ring without a halter. The handler has to control them with a bat and board so they have to be trained - easier said than done!

Pigs are not renowned for their cleanliness, so they have to be washed and prepared for the show. Tricia describes the process.

"Go right down the feet inside and out, down the back and round the bum and back legs not forgetting the tail, then rinse them off with cold water.

"White pigs are dusted with wood flour, it's like talcum powder which is dusted off just before they go into the show ring and black pigs are oiled with olive oil or baby oil to make them shiny."

After all that preparation what are the judges looking for?

"They like the pigs to be stood square with a good top line along the back. They have to walk with their legs straight and have a good head" explains Tricia.

"If there are two pigs the same, we always say it's the one the judge would like to take home that wins!"

The competition will be tough, but after all that preparation the Horsleys from Acaster Selby are bound to do well.

Good luck!