Alice Plunkett and William Fox-Pitt are renowned for their achievements in the equestrian world, but this year they are taking on a different challenge as presidents of the Royal Bath and West Show.

For Mrs Plunkett, the appointment reflects a lifelong passion for agricultural shows and the farming community, as well as a growing family connection through their 11 year-old daughter Emily Fox-Pitt, who now shows pedigree sheep herself.

"I have had a passion all my life for agricultural shows," says Mrs Plunkett. "My dad always loved them, and we always used to go to the Royal Show. We're also involved in farming up in Scotland, so the Highland Show for us is always a big deal."

The family's involvement in the show world has grown in recent years through Emily's interest in livestock showing, with her own flock of Dutch Spotted sheep.

"The young handler piece for us has been really fantastic for confidence," says Mrs Plunkett. "We're really proud of her knowledge and her passion for her sheep, and that's sort of carried on our connection with the county shows."

The couple were asked to take on the presidency jointly after Mr Fox-Pitt suggested the role become more of a family role. "We were incredibly flattered when the Bath and West asked us," says Mrs Plunkett. "William is really busy, so he said we'd love to do it jointly, and that's how it came about."

Since taking on the role, the couple have gained a greater appreciation for the wider work carried out by the Royal Bath and West Society beyond the show itself, particularly its charitable and educational activities.

"What's amazing is the huge amount they do within the agricultural sector," she explains. "The field to food day was unbelievable and is growing. I think that commitment to wider education around agriculture is something that has been a surprise to us."

The family's connection to the equestrian world will also feature during the show, with one of the couple's daughters having previously competed in Shetland pony racing.

"She had a great few year's riding Shetlands, but she's grown out of that now," said Miss Plunkett. "We're really excited to have the Shetland Pony Grand National at the show and I'm looking forward to the job of commentating on that."

While the show continues to evolve and diversify, Mrs Plunkett is convinced livestock must remain at the heart of the event. "That whole area is the beating heart of the show, and it's the beating heart of what agricultural shows are about - and have been over their 250-year history," she says.

"There's no doubt that the Grand Parade is one of the highlights in the Main Ring, seeing all those different breeds and animals parading is just absolutely fantastic."

It's also important that exhibitors, farmers and stewards involved in the livestock section feel valued. "That's one of our big missions this year."

The family are also hoping Emily will compete at this year's show with her sheep. "She's got a shearling ram which is really nice," says Mrs Plunkett. "It's just amazing learning about how to handle animals, read them, and have the confidence to talk to judges about the background of the breed. She really owns it."

Reflecting on the wider challenges facing agriculture, Mrs Plunkett is emphatic that county shows like the Bath and West play an important role in connecting the public with farming. "The outlook for farming at the moment is really tough," she explains. "The Bath and West is an opportunity to really make the message clear that farming is a huge industry.

"The opportunities within farming are so broad and the breadth of all the different things at the Bath and West showcases it in a really positive way."

·       The Royal Bath & West Show will take place at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN, from 28–30 May.

·       Buy tickets at https://www.bathandwest.com/tickets-3