HORSES returned to the Royal Melbourne Show this year.
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria president John Fox said this year's show had the best mix and balance of events since the early 1990s.
The showgrounds underwent a major redevelopment two years ago and Mr Fox said the overall operation of the show, now in its 153rd year, had improved significantly.
"We are seeing real benefits from the redevelopment," Mr Fox said.
"We have extended the animal nursery, changed the schedule in the lifestock pavilion and moved the fireworks to a higher platform."
He said more people could now be accommodated and more could participate in the many hands-on activities.
"We have given the show broader appeal and made it much more people-friendly."
Mr Fox said that with the horses back, the show was going very well.
"We have seen good show attendance and quality entries in our livestock competitions," Mr Fox said.
"It just keeps getting better."
Attracting about 500,000 visitors, the show's 11 days and nights are jam-packed with non-stop entertainment and activities including agricultural competitions and displays, rural lifestyle, leisure activities, entertainment, food, wine, horticulture, showbags and rides.
Show first-timer, Emma Johnson, 11, took the train from Hamilton to attend the event.
"I loved the animal displays, the showbags and the great rides. I went on the Thunderbolt and the Sky View ferris wheel.
" They were a bit scary but really fun," she said.
Kerang Technical Highschool teacher Justin Colville brought his students to exhibit their 13-month-old steer. "I loved watching the kids get involved and parade the animal in the ring," Mr Colville said.
