The Comptoir Suisse, Switzerland's' National Fair, is held annually in September.

There is always lots to see and its most popular attraction is the day of the horse.

The opening ceremony is truly breath taking and well worth a visit. In the 10 years I spent living in Switzerland not once did I miss a show.

For some mysterious reason the sun always shone.....

This is an important time for breeders all over the country to show off there stock.

However breeders select and present only the best. Horses that they believe will have a chance at reaching maximum grades.

The week starts with the horses being presented before a panel of Judges from The Haras Federal, Bern. (National Stud)

The horses are graded and ranked then presented before the public audience for all to admire.

The Haras also takes the opportunity to present a few of its stallions.

We see here Cardinal Fleury, perhaps Switzerland's most influential sire over the decades... He is well in his 20 s in this photograph.

Presented in hand is the 1991 winner of the 30 months old filly class.

This is the ideal opportunity for breeders to evaluate leading sires and to see just exactly what they are capable of producing.

Spectators look on in awe and admiration as the stallions are trotted out in hand.

A spectacle not to be missed.

There are three breeds registered with the Haras, the Franches Montagnes, the Haflinger and the Swiss warmblood but on occasion breeds from around the world are exhibited.

Every year exhibits a different theme...

This magnificent animal is a Franche Montagne stallion.

The Franches montagne is Switzerlands' native Draught horse.

A breed renown for his power and stamina.

They were used for many years by the military and today the breeding program has assured that the breed will not die out...

The Franches Montagnes is still used today by farmers, as they are able to access parts of forests and land that tractors are unable to reach.

The Vacherin Mont D'or is perhaps one of Switzerlands' finest Cheeses. We were fortunate to have the dairy located in our village, Les Charbonnières

Registered breeding has enabled Switzerland to produce stock of international quality and dedicated breeders shall continue to do so for many years to come..

So be sure to write this date in your diary should you ever find yourself in Switzerland in the month of September

It's lots of fun for all the family and perhaps an ideal opportunity to purchase a horse of exceptional quality.