Should be in Notes & Queries twice according to the 1911 note there, but I couldn't find the correct volumes online (that was a quick search - I have to go out in a few mins).
In the meantime, here's a version from County Folklore VI, pp184-186, which has the refs to N&S.
Mick
Howden Fair. Upwards of five-and-thirty years ago I noted down the words of the following rude song from the lips of one who had learned it by hearing it sung by Lincolnshire farmers and horse- dealers, who were in the habit of visiting the great Yorkshire horse fair in the earlier years of the reign of George III. Early in the present century my father procured a manuscript copy from an old man called Amos Sharp of Messingham. That is now before me. The two texts are almost identical. I cannot ascertain that it has ever appeared in print. It has certainly no literary merits to commend it to the atten- tion of your readers, but it will not, on that account, be without interest for some Yorkshireman : —
HOWDEN FAIR. (Tune, " Nancy Dawson.")
It's I have been to Howden Fair, And, oh, what sights did I see there; To hear my tale would make you stare. And see the horses showing. They come from east, they come from west. They bring their worst, they bring their best. And some they lead and drive the rest Unto the fair at Howden. Tal al al. All at the Fair at Howden.
There were blacks and bays and duns and grays, And soreled horses, aye, and mares, And pyball'd too, I do declare And more than I do know on. There were blind and lame and wind-gall'd too, Crib-biters were there not a few. And roarers more than one or two, All at the fair at Howden Tal al al, etc.
All ages too, as I'm alive, From one to two to thirty-five And some they scarce could lead or drive Or in the streets could show them. There were broken-winded too, I saw. And some for panting scarce could draw. And there were clickers, too, I knaw. All at the fair at Howden. Tal al al, etc.
Now some upon the stones were shown. And others found upon soft ground ; And up the hills their heads were turn'd, And that's the way to show them. They can gain or lose an inch or two. By managing the hoof or shoe, Oh, yes, they this and more can do All at the fair at Howden. Tal al al, etc.
Then the dealers through the streets do splash. And swing around a long whip-lash, And say " My lads come stand a swash, And lets have room to show them.' They crack their whips and curse and swear, And cry " My lads, be of good cheer. For this, my lads, is Howden fair. How do you like the fair at Howden ? "
Bottesford Manor Brigg. Edward Peacock, N. & Q. 7th S. vol. v. p. 345. There is a variant, N. & Q. nth S. vol. iv. p. 325. See also Section xv. p. 209. See Section ii. p. 28 for Naburn May Song. See Section x. pp. %"], 106, 107, 112 et seq., for Christmas, Harvest etc. Songs.