Horses pull the crowds

Thousands of visitors flocked to the Shire Horse Spring Show at the weekend, attracting a record number of guests from overseas to what has become a truly international event for the Shire Horse Society.

The annual two-day event, held at the East of England Showground is aimed at helping raise much needed funds to support the threatened breed and encourage ownership amongst the younger generation to secure its future existence.

Visitors were able to see hundreds of Shire Horses dressed in their traditional glory on show. Cross-country driving, working demonstrations and ridden displays to music provided main ring entertainment throughout the day and the French Jousting Team was a popular attraction with breathtaking acts of courage.

Featured alongside the horses were vintage tractors, farm machinery, farriery competitions, a dog agility show, craft fair and food hall. The Heritage Farmyard, which was a new area for 2005 proved extremely successful and included a rare display of Red Poll Cattle.

Andrew Mercer, Chief Executive at the Society said ‘We have been delighted at how well the event has been attended this year. Ticket sales on Saturday were an all time record and Sunday achieved its second best result, which is extremely encouraging for the Society and the future’.

Next year’s Shire Horse Spring Show will be held on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March 2006. Further details, including results from this year’s Show can be found at the Shire Horse Society’s website – www.shire-horse.org.uk