Stable tours staged at world’s largest gathering of Shire horses

Photo courtesy of Jayne Cross

Visitors to the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses will be able to get up close to the gentle giants of the horse world in a series of special stable tours.

The Shire Horse Society, which is staging the three-day National Shire Horse Show in March 2018 at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground near Stafford, is organising the tours as part of the event.

They are designed to give visitors an insight into what’s involved in preparing and showing a champion Shire horse, as well as an understanding of this magnificent breed.

“The Shire horse has played an immense role in our history, but as a breed it is still regarded as an endangered species, with fewer than 300 pedigree Shire horse foals registered every year,” said Shire Horse Society secretary Victoria Clayton.

“The stable tours will be given by Shire horse owners, breeders and enthusiasts and will focus on everything from how to look after a Shire horse to how to prepare for a show.

“It’s a great opportunity for horse and animal lovers and those who like nostalgia to find out more about this magnificent breed, and to support the work we do, as a charity, to ensure that the Shire horse has a future.”

The show, which attracts around 250 pedigree Shires from across Europe, runs from 16^th to 18^th March, with stable tours being held on Saturday 17^th March and Sunday 18^th March.

Tickets are now on sale for the event, which is an ideal day out for all the family, featuring classes in the ring, trade stands, demonstrations and a children’s animal petting area. New for 2018 is the ridden quadrille – a choreographed ride to music which is often compared to an equestrian ballet.

Visitors will have the chance to buy tickets for the stable tours on arrival at the show on the Saturday and the Sunday.

Next year is a special one for the Shire Horse Society, as it marks the charity’s 140^th anniversary.

“This will be the third year we have held our national show – the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses – at Staffordshire Showground, and we hope that hundreds of people will join us to help with the celebrations,” added Victoria.

Adult tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the gate, while tickets for children aged five to 13 years are £8 in advance or £10 on the gate. Children aged 14 years and over are charged at the adult price, while under fives enter free.

Gates open on Friday 16^th March at 8.30am and at 7am on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th March.

For more details and ticket information about the show, visit http://www.shire-horse.org.uk or follow @saveourshires on Twitter or at www.facebook.com/shirehorsesociety

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Trot along to the Shire Horse pub to find out about Staffordshire’s spectacular Shire horse show

Photo courtesy of Paul Milgate-Scarrott

The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses will be welcomed to Staffordshire in a pre-event ‘meet and greet’ at the appropriately named Shire Horse pub in Stafford on 4^th March.

The Shire Horse Society will be staging its national show at Staffordshire Showground from 17^th to 19^th March, when around 250 pedigree Shires will be shown in all their glory. Open to the public, the event is widely regarded as the largest gathering anywhere in the world of these magnificent animals.

But on Saturday 4^th March at the Shire Horse pub in Hurricane Close, the charity will be staging a ‘meet and greet’ for the public, giving them the chance to find out more about Shire horses and the up-coming three-day show.

It will be attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford, Councillor Geoff and Mrs Cathy Collier, and runs from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

On display will be Shire horse Queenie, who is owned by Mick Anson, who lives near Uttoxeter, and who is partial to a pint of ale.

“Shire horses traditionally love beer, and I’m sure that Queenie will enjoy her time at the Shire Horse pub meeting people and helping to raise awareness about our big show,” said Victoria Clayton, Shire Horse Society secretary. 

“Last year was the first time we held the world’s largest gathering of Shires in Staffordshire and it went really well, so we are delighted to be returning to the county and look forward to welcoming lots of visitors. Ticket sales are flying, and it looks like it will be a great event where we can raise the profile of these beautiful horses, which are still regarded as an ‘at risk’ breed.

“We’re expecting around 250 horses and we have almost double the number of trade stands than last year, as well as some entertainment for children, so it should be a good day out.”

During the ‘meet and greet’ Shire Horse Society members Chris and Jayne Malkin, from near Market Drayton in Shropshire, will be chatting about the gentle giants of the horse world and handing out flyers about the big show.

The national show is the flagship event of the Shire Horse Society - the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse.

This year the charity has secured Great British Bake Off star Val Stones as the after-dinner speaker at the show dinner, which is held at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground, on 17^th March. Tickets for the dinner cost £30 and are available by contacting the Shire Horse Society on 01536 771611.

Tickets for the show are on sale via www.shire-horse.org.uk – discounted if bought in advance. Adult tickets on the gate are £12, or £10 online in advance, while tickets for children aged five to 13 years on the gate are £10, and £8 online in advance.

Children aged 14 years and over are charged at the adult price, while under fives enter free. Entry for Shire Horse Society members is free.

Gates open on Friday 17^th March at 8.30am and at 7am on Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th March.

For more details and ticket information about the show, visit www.shire-horse.org.uk or follow @saveourshires on Twitter or at www.facebook.com/shirehorsesociety

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Bake Off star Val to shine at Shire Horse Society’s annual dinner

Val Stones

Popular Bake Off contestant Val Stones has been announced as the guest speaker at a dinner to mark the Shire Horse Society’s National Show in Staffordshire in March.

The loveable star of the baking programme will be treating diners to tales of her baking adventures during the evening event, to be held on 17^th March at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground.

The event is open to the public and is in support of the Shire Horse Society – the only national charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse.

It coincides with the three-day show running from 17^th to 19^th March, which is the world’s largest gathering of Shires and the chance to see the gentle giants of the horse world in all their finery.

“I became known as the cake whisperer during my time on the Bake Off, but I can’t profess to be a horse whisperer,” said Val, who appeared in last year’s series. “However, I’m absolutely thrilled to have been asked to speak at the annual dinner of the Shire Horse Society.

“My sister-in-law’s family breed and rear Shire Horses, and I love to see them in the fields when I visit, so I’m more than happy to do something to support the breed, which I understand is still regarded as an animal that is at-risk by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

“I’m looking forward to the event and hope horse lovers and baking lovers alike will support it.”

Around 300 pedigree Shire horses from across Europe are expected to take part in the Shire Horse Society Show, being put through their paces in hand, in harness and during ridden classes.

Open to the public, the event is a colourful day out for all the family and the chance to support the campaign to save this magnificent breed of horse, which only a few decades ago was in danger of dying out.

Society secretary Victoria Clayton said: “We’re delighted that Val Stones has agreed to be our guest speaker at the annual dinner. She’s a really engaging character and we can’t wait to hear more about her baking adventures.”

Tickets for the dinner cost £30 and are available by contacting the Shire Horse Society on 01536 771611.

Tickets for the show are on sale via www.shire-horse.org.uk – discounted if bought in advance. Adult tickets on the gate are £12, or £10 online in advance, while tickets for children aged five to 13 years on the gate are £10, and £8 online in advance.

Children aged 14 years and over are charged at the adult price, while under fives enter free.

Gates open on Friday 17^th March at 8.30am and at 7am on Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th March.

For more details and ticket information about the show, visit www.shire-horse.org.uk or follow @saveourshires on Twitter or at www.facebook.com/shirehorsesociety

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Visitors raring to attend the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses

Photo courtesy of Tracy Muir Photography www.tracymuirphotography.co.uk 

Ticket sales for the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses are booming as the event returns to Staffordshire for a second year.

A record number of advance tickets for the show at Staffordshire County Showground on 17^th to 19^th March have so far been sold, reports the Shire Horse Society, which organises the event.

Around 300 pedigree Shire horses from across Europe are expected to take part, being put through their paces in hand, in harness and during ridden classes.

Open to the public, the event is a colourful day out for all the family and the chance to support the campaign to save this magnificent breed of horse, which only a few decades ago was in danger of dying out and is still regarded as ‘at risk’.

Secretary of the Shire Horse Society Victoria Clayton said: “Shire horses have played a huge role in the history of this country, and our show, which is the world’s largest gathering of Shires, is the perfect opportunity to see them in action.

“Last month we sold more than twice as many advance tickets to our annual show as we did during the same month the previous year. We’re delighted to see such interest in the event, which is our flagship event of the year and the ideal chance for us to put the gentle giants of the horse world into the spotlight.”

The show, which has been held at a limited number of venues in England over its long history, 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.

It moved to Staffordshire County Showground in 2016, and returns there for three days of competition in March.

The event features stalls and children’s entertainment, as well as the all-important showing classes – the first qualifier of 2017 for the heavy horse classes of the prestigious Horse of the Year Show, which attracts the very best of the breed and is held in October at Birmingham’s NEC.

The Shire Horse Society campaigns to save the iconic Shire breed – a breed that was in danger of dying out just a few decades ago. Even now, fewer than 500 new foals are registered every year.

Tickets for the show are on sale via www.shire-horse.org.uk – discounted if bought in advance. Adult tickets on the gate are £12, or £10 online in advance, while tickets for children aged five to 13 years on the gate are £10, and £8 online in advance.

Children aged 14 years and over are charged at the adult price, while under fives enter free.

Gates open on Friday 17^th March at 8.30am and at 7am on Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th March.

For more details and ticket information about the show, visit www.shire-horse.org.uk or follow @saveourshires on Twitter or at www.facebook.com/shirehorsesociety

New Secretary takes the reins at the Shire Horse Society

Victoria Clayton

The Shire Horse Society has announced the appointment of Victoria Clayton as its new Secretary.

Victoria, who has been involved in the Shire world for more than 25 years, takes up the reins from 7^th November 2016.

A qualified surveyor and agricultural valuer, and a Harper Adams University graduate, she is a keen horse rider who predominantly competes in ridden hunter classes and has enjoyed success at the Horse of the Year Show in the recent past. Victoria’s family has the Westfield Shire Stud, based in Yorkshire.

Victoria said: “I am delighted to accept the role of Secretary at the Shire Horse Society, and I am looking forward to getting started.

“The society has carried out some great work in the past, however, it is key that we look to bring about new initiatives to cement the future of the breed. One of my main aims is to improve the society’s communication with the membership and in doing so we must always strive to continue to promote, protect and preserve the Shire horse breed.”

Victoria has previously been a member of the council at the Shire Horse Society and this year co-ordinated the organisation’s appearance at the first ever BBC Countryfile Live event, gaining significant national TV and newspaper exposure for the society and demonstrating the breed to over 125,000 visitors to the event at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

The Shire Horse Society, which is based at Shire Farm, Rockingham Castle on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, is the only national charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse. The iconic Shire breed was in danger of dying out just a few decades ago, and even now fewer than 500 new foals are registered every year by the Shire Horse Society.

Its annual national show is the world’s largest gathering of Shires and 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.

Next year it will take place from 17^th to 19^th March 2017 at Staffordshire Showground in the West Midlands.

Visit www.shire-horse.org.uk for more information.

Press release issued by Nottingham based pr company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Croots Farm Shop celebrates Shire horse success at world’s most famous horse show

David Yates with Evie

The team at Croots Farm Shop in Derbyshire is celebrating after a Shire horse which grazes at the farm took one of the top slots at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

Evie was awarded reserve champion in the Shire Horse of the Year Championship at the event, which is the world’s most famous horse show 

Full name Sheepwash Derbyshire Eventide, she was one of two Shire horses from Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, near Duffield, which qualified for the championship.

It was the first time since the 1970s that Shire horse breeders Jim and Sue Yates had qualified two of their horses at the event, and it proved to be a special day for the whole family when Evie came second in her championship.

Jim and Sue’s daughter Kay Croot, who runs Croots Farm Shop with husband Steve, helped prepare and plait Evie, while their son David Yates, who runs Derbyshire bakery Luke Evans, led Evie in the ring.

“It was the first time since the 1970s that my parents had qualified two horses for the Horse of the Year Show, so it was a great achievement and wonderful to be a part of what is regarded as the most famous horse show in the world,” said Kay. “David took Evie into the ring and I took the other horse that qualified, Cowerslane Lady Helen. It was a real family affair.”

Jim and Sue have been breeding and rearing Shire horses for decades, and are amongst the longest established families in the Shire horse world. 

It was Evie’s sixth consecutive appearance at the Shire Horse of the Year Championship and she has now taken second place twice, as well as a third and a fourth position.

The Horse of the Year Show was held at Birmingham’s NEC, and marks the end of the equestrian season, being the champion of champions show.

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World’s largest gathering of Shire horses announces dates for next year’s show in Staffordshire

Photo courtesy of Tracy Muir Photography

Organisers of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses have confirmed that the show will return to Staffordshire Showground next year after making a successful debut in the county earlier this year.

2016 was the first time that the Shire Horse Society had staged its national show in the West Midlands, but now the charity, which is dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse, has announced the dates for next year’s show.

It will take place from 17^th to 19^th March 2017.

The show, which has been held at a limited number of venues in England over its long history, 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.

It attracts around 200 pedigree Shire horses, which are put through their paces in hand, in harness and ridden, and is widely regarded as the largest gathering of Shires anywhere in the world. The show attracts horses from across Europe and spectators from around the globe, and is the flagship event for the Shire Horse Society. 

Show chairman John Peacock said: “We had some great feedback from both spectators and entrants at the 2016 Shire Horse Society National Show, which was held at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground, for the first time, and we’re delighted to be able to announce the dates for next year’s event so that people can plan ahead.

“Tickets are due to go on sale in early November and will be available via our website.”

The 2016 show attracted some excellent examples of the breed. The winner of the King George V trophy, taking the highest honour in the society, went to the Champion stallion Leverton Leon. Leon is owned by Jonathan Worthington, from Nether Alderley, near Macclesfield, in Cheshire. The female Champion went to Cotebrook Loch Anna, owned by Alistair and Matthew King, based at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, Cheshire. Both of these horses qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year show in taking their respective championships. 

Ridden champion was Stacy Fletcher, on Catwg Black Velvet owned by her family’s Gentle Giant Shires business, based at Moylegrove near Cardigan. She also won a golden ticket qualifier to the famous Horse of the Year Show to take part in the first ever British Ridden Heavy Horse championship being staged by HOYS. Other Shire horse owners are currently taking part in a range of competitions at agricultural shows and other events across the country in the hope of qualifying for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show. 

The iconic Shire breed was in danger of dying out just a few decades ago, and even now fewer than 500 new foals are registered every year by the Shire Horse Society. The charity has been running a Save Our Shires campaign to raise awareness about these gentle giants and numbers have steadily increased, thanks to the dedication of a band of enthusiasts.

Tickets for the 2017 show will soon be available from the society’s website www.shire-horse.org.uk Adult tickets on the gate are £12, or £10 online in advance, while tickets for children aged five to 13 years on the gate are £10, and £8 online in advance.

Children aged 14 years and over are charged at the adult price, while under fives enter free.

The Shire Horse Society is also offering early bird prices to traders who would like to take stands at the event. Details are on the charity’s website.

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk 

Shire Horse Open Day held at Croots Farm Shop

Gentle giants of the horse world will be shown in all their glory at a Shire horse open day in Derbyshire next month.

The Derbyshire Shire Horse Association Show will be held at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, near Duffield – the home of Croots Farm Shop.

As well as offering the public the chance to see magnificent Shire horses in action, the event is a rescheduled qualifier for the Shire Horse of the Year Championship at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show, which takes place in October, and is likely to attract some of the top Shire horses in the country.  The original qualifier for HOYS was postponed following the cancellation of the Derbyshire County Show last month due to the weather and ground conditions.

Running from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 7^th August, the show will feature Shire horse displays, different classes, dray rides, pony rides, trade stands and a BBQ. Admission costs £3 for adults and £2 for children.

It is being held at the farm belonging to Jim and Sue Yates, who have already qualified two of their Shire horses for the Horse of the Year Show after winning prizes at the Lincolnshire County Show and the Royal Norfolk Show.

The couple have been breeding and rearing Shire horses for decades, and are amongst the longest established families in the Shire horse world. Their son David Yates shows the horses, with daughter Kay Croot involved in preparing them for showing.

Kay, who runs Croots Farm Shop with her husband Steve, said: “The Shire horses at Farnah House Farm are very popular – people love to see them and we know that many of Croots’ customers are big fans.

“The Derbyshire Shire Horse Association Show is the ideal opportunity to watch around 30 horses dressed up in all their finery being put through their paces.”

This is the third time that the Derbyshire Shire Horse Association Show has been held at Farnah House Farm.

For more information visit http://www.croots.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham based PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

History to be made at world’s largest gathering of Shire horses in Staffordshire in March

Courtesy of Jane Muntz-Torres

History will be made at this year’s Shire Horse Society National Show when, for the first time, British heavy horses will be able to qualify for a golden ticket to a ridden class at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

Riding heavy horses has become increasingly popular, and now HOYS is adding a British Ridden Heavy Horse championship to its event, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from Wednesday 5th to Sunday 9th October 2016.

The first ever qualifying round for the championship will be held at the Shire Horse Society’s National Show, which runs 18^th to 20^th March 2016 at the Staffordshire Showground.

Wendy Toomer-Harlow, a founder member of the British Ridden Heavy Horse Society and a council member of the Shire Horse Society, said: "The BRHHS have been in talks with Hoys for some time regarding a British Ridden Heavy Horse Championship and we are very grateful to Grandstand Media for agreeing to hosting this new HOYS ridden qualifier. 

“This championship will give heavy horse riders the opportunity to showcase our four magnificent indigenous British heavy horse breeds, the Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron and Suffolk to both a national and international audience and display to people just what these versatile heavy horse breeds are capable of under saddle alongside their established draught uses.

“The Shire Horse Society National Show will host the first ever Horse of the Year Show Ridden Heavy Horse qualifying round and in doing so the society will take its place in the history of ridden showing. This is a very exciting time for all those enthusiasts who are involved in the world of heavy horses and passionate about the furtherance and promotion of our British breeds of Shire, Clydesdale, Percherons and Suffolk going forward into the 21^st Century.”

The Shire Horse Society National Show is the world’s largest gathering of Shires, with around 200 due to be put through their paces - shown in-hand, ridden and in harness.

The show, which has been held at a limited number of venues in England over its long history, 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.

This year it returns with a new venue and a new format – running over three days instead of two and being held for the first time at the Staffordshire Showground, to cater for a growing interest in the event. The ridden classes, including the qualifying class for the HOYS championship, are being held on Friday 18^th March and will also feature dressage and concours d’elegance to highlight the grace and elegance of the gentle giants of the horse world.

Shires will be shown in all their glory on Saturday and Sunday in the in-hand and harness classes.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the show, which is the flagship event of the Shire Horse Society - the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse.

The iconic breed was in danger of dying out just a few decades ago, and even now fewer than 500 new foals are registered every year by the Shire Horse Society.

The charity has been running a Save Our Shires campaign to raise awareness about these gentle giants and numbers have steadily increased, thanks to the dedication of a band of enthusiasts.

Tickets for the show, which also includes stalls and exhibitor stands for the public to browse, are now on sale via the Shire Horse Society’s website www.shire-horse.org.uk Follow the charity on Facebook or Twitter - https://www.facebook.com/shirehorsesociety and @saveourshires

The event takes place from noon to 6pm on Friday 18^th March, from 8am to 6pm on Saturday 19^th March and from 8am to 4pm on Sunday 20^th March 2016.

Tickets cost £4 in advance and £5 on the gate for Friday 18^th March. Tickets in advance are £8 for adults and £6 for under 12s and seniors, and £12 for adults and £10 for under 12s and seniors on the gate, on Saturday 19^th and Sunday 20^th March.

Entry is free for Shire Horse Society members.

Press release issued by Nottingham based pr company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk