Final preparations

Amanda Paul, of Winton, plaits the mane of her horse, Buddy, as she prepares to compete in the round the ring and show jumping sections at the Otago Taieri A&P show today.

Thousands of people are expected at the Mosgiel Showgrounds  for the 158th show, which opens at 10am.

Show secretary Cate Edgler said it was "all go" late yesterday afternoon, with stallholders  setting up and animals being judged. Aside from the usual A&P show entertainment, there would be a wood chopping competition, a Wonky Donkey show for children and a performance by singers Bevan Gardiner and Georgie Daniel.

However, cattle are excluded this year because of concern about the disease Mycoplasma bovis.