Not one, but two, Mayors headed to Devon County Show 2024

Deborah Custance Baker, Chair of Crafts and Horticulture is delighted to welcome The Mayor of Exeter back to Devon County Show 2024. 

Deborah is also looking forward to welcoming a second Mayor from the county - The Mayor of Cockington - AKA Patrick the miniature Shetland Pony, who is "champing at the bit" to make his debut at the show and in particular to officiate the grand opening of the Crafts & Horticulture Marquee, on the first day of the three-day event - Thursday, 16 May.  

The Mayor of Cockington - Patrick the miniature Shetland Pony

Patrick will be clad in his bespoke mayoral robes, his custom-made glitter boots, and a gold chain and will munch his way through a ribbon made of carrots at the opening ceremony. 

Patrick was voted in as Mayor by the residents of Cockington in July 2022.  He was bestowed with his official mayoral status, in recognition of his tireless commitment to the community, visiting schools, hospitals and care homes as a therapy pony.

Kirk, Patrick’s owner, explained: “Patrick just loves to be in the spotlight and is an absolute natural in front of the camera. He’s already an international celebrity, with his own Facebook Page with 114,000 followers. He has also been featured in countless newspapers and magazines and on TV channels across the world."

The Mayor of Cockington - Patrick the miniature Shetland Pony

Patrick spends the majority of his time relaxing in in his two-acre field, grazing and playing with his firm friend, Cowboy the horse, but he also spends some of his time in the family home with the three children and two dogs.  

Kirk added: “This is partly because he enjoys the company, but also so he can get used to noises as we go about our business (vacuuming, phones ringing etc) so he’s not stressed if he goes into an environment where there’s a lot going on.”

Both Kirk and wife Hannah, are committed to ensuring that Patrick’s work schedule is carefully managed, saying: “Patrick has helped so many people in so many different ways and he loves to do it but we never expect him to perform, only to do what he wants and always allowing him the space to do it.  

"His latest mission has been visits to schools where children can have a quiet time with him before they sit exams, which seems to really help them to cope with pre-exam nerves”.

When Patrick’s not on duty and the sun is shining, you can often catch him on his favourite Paignton Beach running along the shore and taking a dip in the sea. 

So named because he was born on St Patrick’s day, Patrick has just celebrated his sixth birthday and received cards from all over the world, from France, to the USA and even Australia!

Visitors to Devon County Show will be able to purchase Patrick’s latest blockbuster book, ‘The Adventures of Patrick the Pony’, each signed with Patrick’s hoof print. 

To find out more about Devon County Show visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk