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HEAVY HORSES GATHER FOR SUMMER SPECTACULAR
The Heavy Horse Spectacular, Sunday 4 June, Weald & Downland Open Air Museum 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. The Heavy Horse Spectacular on Sunday 4 June is one of the biggest of its kind in the south and features displays, demonstrations and a grand parade guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages.
The Heavy Horse Spectacular is one of the few events 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. Over forty Shires, Clydesdales, Suffolks, British Percherons and Ardennes horses will be put through their paces during a day packed with activity. 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 highlights at the Spectacular this year is one of the newest developments in the heavy horse scene – cross-country driving. 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! Another feature will be the Museum’s own cattle transporter, built in 1911 by Horder & Sons, and drawn by one of the resident working Shire horses. During the event, 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 day 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 also be on the Museum site throughout the event, offering a range of items such as country clothing, local produce, garden wares, books, gifts and jewellery. The Museum is open for the Heavy Horse Spectacular on Sunday 4 June, and daily throughout the season, from 10.30am - 6.00pm. Admission is adults £7.95, over 60s £6.95, children £4.25, family £21.95. Group rates are also available.
28.02.06
