Our Yorkshire Farm star Amanda Owen was all dressed up and ready to go horse shopping over the weekend – only to return home empty handed.
The 46-year-old mother-of-nine donned dangly earrings and popped on a colourful hat as she took some of her family to Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria.
The Appleby Horse Fair is an annual event which sees members of the travelling community gathering in the picturesque town of Appleby-in-Westmorland where horses are paraded and washed in the local river.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Amanda said she had hoped to find a new horse to take home to her family farm from the event – but was unable to find a suitable steed.
Sharing a string of photos from her day among the wildlife, she wrote: “There was mounting pressure to find another [horse] at Appleby Horse Fair but although we were champing at the bit we didn’t find quite the right one.”
Snaps showed Amanda looking fresh faced and in good spirits as she posed atop a steed of her own while out in the countryside.
Snaps showed the TV star posing with horses while they grazed, and as she looked on wearing attractive gold earrings and a simple grey vest top.
While other snaps showed the busy working mum wearing a light pink outfit and a large summer hat that had pink, yellow, blu, purple and white stripes.
Fans of the Channel 5 star were stunned by her family photos – with one follower commenting: “Fab photos of you all. Love your hat.”
Other fans, however, have been unsettled by Amanda’s decision to visit the Appleby Horse Fair – which is considered a controversial event which often results in members of the public calling the RSPCA and other authorities with concerns of animal cruelty being displayed.
While high spirited revellers have also made headlines for sparking violence at the annual event.
Amanda shared other photos from her weekend at the event, captioning a collection of snaps: "The sun was shining at Appleby Horse Fair."
One replied: "I wouldn't go there. I've seen how some treat the horses. Heartbreaking."
Another added: "We went a few years ago now and saw a pony drown in the river, being ridden and bathed, horrendous and never again."
YorkshireLive reports that the RSPCA were present at the fair and working alongside agency partners "looking out for all our four-legged friends".
While reports over the weekend emerged to suggest seven men were arrested after a fight broke out on Friday afternoon.
YorkshireLive reports: "On Saturday, police issued a Section 60 order on an area surrounding Appleby which gives them greater powers to stop and search.
"Supt Kennerley said the order was intended to keep people safe and was one of a number of measures being implemented."
The police chief told the publication: "In addition, people are likely to see armed police in the Appleby area to allow such officers to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential situation that arises.
"Anyone who is seeking to come to the fair to act violently is no friend to those of us - including Appleby people and the Gypsy and Traveller people - who wish for the horse fair to be an enjoyable and safe environment for all."
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