Patrick the Pony heading for Devon County Show

Not one but two Mayors will be heading to the Devon County Show when it returns later this week.

Ahead of its flagship event, the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) has announced that the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Kevin Mitchell, will be joined by the Mayor of Cockington, Patrick, the Shetland, to carry out official duties.

Together they will officiate the grand opening of the crafts and horticulture marquee on Thursday, May 16, the first of three days at Westpoint Exeter when around 90,000 visitors are expected to descend to enjoy the best of what Devon has to offer.

Patrick, a miniature Shetland, has served as the unofficial Mayor of Cockington since he was elected by residents in July 2022. The six-year-old gelding, standing just over 2ft tall at the shoulder, was bestowed with mayoral status in recognition of his tireless commitment to the community, visiting schools, hospitals and care homes as a therapy pony.

Making his debut visit to the Devon County Show, Patrick will be clad in his bespoke mayoral robes, custom-made glitter boots and a gold chain; and will munch his way through a ribbon made of carrots at the opening ceremony of the crafts and horticulture marquee – one of the show’s biggest attractions.

Owner Kirk Petrakis said: “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’s also been featured in countless newspapers and magazines and on TV channels across the world.”

Patrick spends the majority of his time relaxing with his field mate, Cowboy, but he also regularly frequents Kirk and wife Hannah’s family home, along with their 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 such as vacuuming and the phone ringing, so he’s not stressed if he goes into an environment where there’s a lot going on.”

Both Kirk and Hannah are committed to ensuring that Patrick’s work schedule is carefully managed. Kirk added: “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.”

Recently celebrating his sixth birthday on St Patrick’s Day, Patrick received cards from all over the world including France, the United States and as far away as Australia.

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

For further details of Devon County Show and to book discounted tickets, visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk.