Thursday 28 August 2014

Survival of the Shire horse celebrated at event on Northants/Leicestershire border

Shire horses will be demonstrating their roles throughout history when the national Shire Horse Society stages its first ever open day at Shire Farm, Rockingham Castle. 
The event on Sunday September 7th will show how these magnificent horses have been involved in trades such as brewing, woodland management and agriculture over the years. 
It will celebrate the survival of a breed that nearly died out a century ago, and will also mark the first anniversary of the opening of the national charity’s headquarters at Rockingham, near Corby, on the Leicestershire/Northamptonshire border. 
“The Shire Horse as a breed has had a fascinating history,” said Shire Horse Society secretary David Ralley-Davies. “Native British horses were quite small and unable to carry knights wearing heavy suits of armour, so heavier breeds from the continent were introduced to Britain. 
“They were later used in agriculture and for pulling large loads on canals and to haul trams, wagons, drays and buses. When technology developed, the need for Shire horses declined and Shire horse numbers fell from well over a million to just a handful by the 1960s and the breed was in serious trouble. Since then a group of enthusiasts has worked to ensure that the breed survives. 
“The open day will be the chance for people to find out more about these gentle giants, which are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity both as a working animal and a riding horse. We mustn’t be complacent, however, and must ensure that we continue to raise awareness of the breed.” 
The Shire Horse Society, which is based on Uppingham Road, Rockingham, is the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse. Since 1878 the organisation has been working to protect the breed, which was then known as the Old English Breed of Cart Horse. 
It moved to Leicestershire from its previous headquarters at the East of England Showground near Peterborough a year ago, and the open day will be the first chance that the charity has had to welcome visitors to its new base. 
The event, which runs from 10am to 4pm on Sunday September 7th, offers the opportunity to find out more about Shire horses in general and to see them working in the many roles that they have had throughout history and right up to their modern day use in riding, in-hand showing and at events such as weddings and promotions. 
Demonstrations include agricultural work and a display by Young’s Brewery dray horses. There will also be the chance to see a farrier in action, to learn more about the breeding of Shire horses, and to see some of the impressive horse brasses which have become synonymous with the breed. 
Tickets cost £5 on the day, with all profits going to the Shire Horse Society Charity, which runs the Save Our Shires campaign to protect the breed for years to come. There is free entry for children under 12. 
The Shire Horse Society is sponsoring the match ball at Corby Town Football Club’s home game against Truro City on Saturday August 30th and earlier in the month, led the home team out ahead of its clash with Arlesey Town. Corby Town season ticket holders will receive a discount on tickets to the open day on presentation of their season ticket. 
The open day event is being supported by structures manufacturer Boldscan Ltd, which is providing a club house and will be showcasing its range of tents and other structures. 
“We hope the open day will raise awareness of the Shire Horse Society as a charity, will draw attention to the fact that the Shire horse is an endangered breed, and will raise funds so that we can go on protecting and promoting this noble breed,” added David Ralley-Davies. 
For more information visit www.shire-horse.org.uk or follow the charity on Facebook or Twitter - https://www.facebook.com/shirehorsesociety and @saveourshires
Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk