EQUESTRIAN teacher Carolyn Woods is to use her 17 years’ experience with horses to organise a village show and gymkhana.

Ms Woods, 32, who lives in Pickhill, near Thirsk, has worked with racehorse trainers in Banbury and Ireland, as well as at a point-to-point yard on Exmoor in Devon.

Now she has planned the inaugural Pickhill Horse Show and Gymkhana in a bid to provide a day out for all the family.

It will be held at Middle Park Farm near Pickhill on premises and land belonging to Top Spec, an equine nutrition company, on August 23 from 9am.

Ms Woods, who starts a new job as a riding instructor at Queen Mary’s School at Topcliffe in September, hopes the show will become an annual event. Funds raised will go towards Pickhill Primary School.

“Since moving up to North Yorkshire, I’ve found there aren’t many shows for everyone so I wanted to organise an old-fashioned gymkhana,” said the mum-of-two, who has five horses of her own.

“There will be classes for everyone, from tiny tots to ex-racehorses and show jumping. We also have a hog roast, a catering van, Yorkshire Dales ice cream and a bar, as well as a bouncy castle and several stalls.

“I hope it will be a fun, busy show with something for everyone. Having recently had a new baby, I’ve had extra time on my hands to get the organising done.”

All entries can be made on the day. Contact 07539 791921 for more information.