THEY came from far and wide to celebrate a colourful tradition dating back nearly 800 years.

Thousands lined the streets as the equine community cantered in to Wickham for the biggest and oldest horse fair in the country.

They watched the age-old traditional parade of decorated shire horses, Shetland ponies and bareback riding through the Square.

The Wickham Horse Fair is one of just two major horse-trading events in the country and can trace its history back to the 13th century.

Ever since, crowds have gathered annually in the quiet village to trade secrets, meet with friends and parade their stock for all to see.

Over the years, since Roger de Syres first obtained a Royal Charter from King Henry III in 1269 for a weekly market in his manor, the fair has evolved to include bareback parades with ponies decorated with ribbon.

The Square was closed for most of the day until 6pm and the A334 from the A32 School Road junction to the Blind Lane junction was also closed to traffic.

There was a uniformed presence of around 100 officers at the Fair yesterday – around the same number that attended last year.

Last night a police spokesman said there had been no repeat performance of the bare knuckle fighting which marred 2009’s celebrations.

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