Riding horses for 30 years and now to breeding rabbits - was the change that won Sonia Ringer top prizes for the four bunnies she entered in this year's Annual Exhibition.

"I'm an animal person and I've always had cats and dogs and if you compare them to rabbits, the rabbits are more friendly," she said yesterday in front of more than 30 rabbits on display.

And, because this is the first time she has entered the competition, it's something she predicts will keep her busy in trying to win more prizes for next year's event.

Mrs. Ringer put aside horse-riding to raise her three children and developed an interest in the furry creatures after reading books about them.

Her six-month-old white male dwarf won first-place, along with a Florida white doe winning second and her mini Dutch that took third.

They were judged based on their coat, health, cleanliness and appearance.

"I haven't really left horse-riding but because it takes too much time, the rabbits are working because they're in my back yard," she added.

"My children help to take care of them. I find that a rabbit likes to be cuddled all the time, whereas a cat likes to be cuddled only when it wants attention.

"Add to that the fact that they can be potty-trained, I just find that they are very nice companions.

"For thirty years I've been riding horses in the exhibition and this has really excited my kids because we can do it together."

In addition to breeding the animals, Mrs. Ringer has more ideas of what she'd like to do with them in the future.

She explained: "I'd like an opportunity to host rabbit shows and find others who is just as excited about them as I am, so we can form a group and bring rabbits back in Bermuda.