OWNERS put almost as much effort into the performances as their pets for the Dog Ability Challenge staged at King's Somborne horse trials on April 23, 1990.

Reluctant rovers were urged to scamper through tubes an clamber over ramps, all with the distant prospect of taking part in national dog trials and the immediate chance of winning a tin of dog food.

The event was a popular diversion from the more serious business of the horse jumping events.

Many of the riders took their own pets along to have a go at the canine competition.