Description:

The grace and strength of the giants of the horse world will be on display in a magnificent gathering this summer at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, at Singleton, near Chichester, West Sussex. Due to the increasing popularity of the event, the Heavy Horse Spectacular was successfully extended to two days for the first time last year: this year there is even more action and excitement planned for the Saturday, plus the usual full programme on the Sunday. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend of displays, demonstrations and parades guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages.

The event is one of the biggest of its kind in the south, and one of the few in the UK where visitors can see these powerful and majestic horses display their skills and versatility with continuous ringside commentary, given this year by Sarah Rouse. Sarah is a well-known figure in the horse world and has been a very popular commentator at the event in recent years.

During the two days, over forty Shires, Clydesdales, Suffolks, British Percherons and Ardennes horses will be taking part in a variety of activities. Weighing up to a ton and standing up to 19 hands high, these horses are prized for their good looks, gentle temperament and capacity for work. Heavy horses have found a modern role in the leisure and public relations industries, environmentally sensitive forestry and on organic smallholdings.

Among the events at the Spectacular this year is one of the newest and most
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exciting developments in the heavy horse scene – cross-country driving. This will be the highlight of the Spectacular on the Saturday: intrepid drivers will be putting on a special display of timed obstacle driving through a cones course – there is nothing more dramatic than a pair of heavy horses thundering past you at speed!

During the weekend, the Museum’s Shire horses will be at work at seasonal tasks. The team works throughout the year on the beautiful 50-acre Museum site in the South Downs. Encouraging the growing interest in working horses, the Museum runs heavy horse experience courses, where students can find out about the management and care of heavy horses as well how to drive, harrow and plough.

Other ring demonstrations include agricultural vehicles, brewers' drays, harnessing and decoration. One of the most popular elements of the event is the chance to get up close to the ‘heavies’ as their owners prepare them in the horsebox area, and the event is rounded off with a grand parade. An interesting and varied collection of craft and trade stands will be on the Museum site throughout the event, offering a range of items such as country clothing, local produce, garden wares, books, gifts, jewellery and local crafts.

The Museum is open for the Heavy Horse Spectacular on Saturday/Sunday 31 May and 1 June, and daily throughout the season, from 10.30am - 6.00pm. Admission is adults £8.50, over 60s £7.50, children £4.50, family £23.30. Group rates are also available.