Description: A workaday record of the annual display of the equestrian arts is enlivened by the disaster of fire. At the Richmond Royal Horse Show a large audience watch a series of events showing off different manifestations of horsemanship. Horse drawn carriages of various designs perform circuits of the show field carrying people dressed in the costumes of their vehicles age. Two and four wheel carriages feature, in set-ups pulled by one or two horses. The informal costume of the carriage riders is in contrast to the uniformed regularity of the Horses Guards who ride in formation rows wearing their distinctive helmets and red and blue attire. The horsepower is increased in another circuit of the ground, this time made by stagecoaches pulled by teams of four horses, some of the coaches roofs are loaded side to side with passengers. More solo riders are in evidence in the form of mounted and red-jacketed huntsmen riding accompanied by their hounds. Mounted police show their control over their horses trotting behind a line of marching colleagues. Equestrian sports also feature with adult riders engaging in show jumping, and younger ones performing in Gymkhana. Around the site people eat at tables both inside the marquees and outside at long tables where uniformed waiters serve them. This genteel atmosphere is shattered by the last sequence of the film, which shows a fire sweeping the stands. Smoke and flames pour out across the showground, while audience members look on in amazement. Firemen and fire engines are already in evidence but appear to struggle in the face of the raging inferno. Spectators increasingly aware of the danger begin to retreat, while staff attempt to clear the tents. Before too long flames have leapt across into the tents, leaving many a smouldering mess. The firemen apply their hoses to the burning buildings, but already there are scenes of devastation, and people looking on in shock.