THE Fordingbridge Show is on the move in 2005 from Godshill to the town's riverside recreation ground.

But hundreds of equestrian enthusiasts will be disappointed that from this year the popular horse show element will be dropped.

The show's move from Arniss Farm, Godshill - its home for about 15 years - to the town council-run park was initially going to be made this year.

However, the number of council committee meetings involved meant time was running out and led to the postponement, said show society spokesman Catherine Short.

"People do feel that with it being the Fordingbridge Show it would be nice if it were in Fordingbridge," she said.

"It will make it easier for people in the town to wander down. Everyone has been so positive about it."

The show will fit into the recreation ground easily, with parking in the field behind the derelict Blue Star petrol station.

Horse show secretary Collette Bunch said she could no longer organise the show because of work commitments.

"It's a full time job. It's nine months of the year and I couldn't find anyone to replace me. It's an unpaid position and it's very hard to find somebody to do it these days.

"You have to have someone with specific knowledge, which is impossible to find.

"It's very upsetting because the Fordingbridge horse show has been going for years and years. But these things happen.

"Nowadays people don't do owt for nowt."

At Arniss Farm the horse show catered for about 800 steeds and riders, many of whom entered for more than one class.

The secretarial work has not stopped for Mrs Bunch.

She said: "There are lots of cups which I will be collecting and then I will be getting in touch with the owners and offering them their cups back."

While sad about dropping the horse show, she was positive about the other changes.

"It will be a superb move, a really good move for the town and everything. It would make Fordingbridge alive that day."

Last year the show moved to a two-day format.

The attractions at this year's show on Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18 include the Devil's Horsemen, heavy horse tug-of-war and a polo exhibition.