More than 5,000 visitors attended the Shire Horse Society’s
National Show – the largest gathering of Shires in the world.
With almost 300 entries from across the UK and Europe, the
event was held over two days at Arena UK, Allington near Grantham.
The King George V Champion Challenge Cup for the best
stallion in the show was awarded to Schumann’s Eregon, owned by Mr Volker
Schumann from Hattingen, Germany. It was the first time
that a German stallion had taken the top spot.
Woodhouse Calendar Girl, shown by Mr Martin Fountain, from
Ashbourne, Derbyshire, was awarded The Henry Young Perpetual Memorial Cup as
champion mare in show.
The Shire Horse Society’s event is believed to be one of the
oldest, almost continuous, horse shows in the world, having been held for the
first time at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, in 1880, when
the charity was named the English Cart Horse Society.
The show is the flagship event of the Shire Horse Society, 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.
The Shire is recognised as an at risk breed under the Rare
Breeds Survival Trust.
Shire Horse Society secretary David Ralley-Davies said he
was delighted that so many members of the public had turned out to see the
horses being shown in the ring and to support the charity at its showcase event.
“At one point, the Shire horse breed faced an uncertain
future, but thanks to a dedicated band of enthusiasts their numbers have
steadily increased and they are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
However, there are still fewer than 500 new foals registered every year so it’s
very important to continue the charity’s work of protecting and promoting the
breed to ensure that we can enjoy these wonderful gentle giants for generations
to come,” he said.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all those who came from
far and wide to compete at the event, and also to all the visitors who
supported both the charity and the competitors who work so hard showing their
Shires. Thanks also are due to all the volunteers, stewards and judges who
helped deliver such as successful event.
“Shire horses have a unique history and heritage and our
national show plays a key role in highlighting their past and in promoting
their future, so we are delighted that so many people joined us for the two-day
event.”
The evening performance on Saturday March 21st
was opened by Household Cavalry drum horse Major Drummer Mercury.
As well as the show classes, with horses shown in-hand,
ridden and in harness, the event also featured a range of trade and other
stands, as well as a food hall. For the first year the Shire Horse Society
welcomed as a partner the Lazy Jacks clothing company, who provided brand new
society merchandise.
For more information about the Shire Horse Society 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
