Hundreds gallop to Shire horse show

The annual Shire Horse Society Show saw around 300 horses from across Europe put through their paces in hand, in harness and during ridden classes.

Open to the public, the event supported the campaign to save the unique breed of horse, which only a few decades ago was in danger of dying out and is still regarded as ‘at risk’.

Shire Horse Society secretary Victoria Clayton, said: “The Shire Horse Society was thrilled to return to Bingley Hall at Staffordshire Showground for our national show, and delighted by the warm welcome we received.

"We had competitors and Shires from across Europe and the UK for three days of marvellous competition, giving us the chance to showcase this wonderful breed of horse. The atmosphere at the event was great and the show was a big success.

"We are looking forward to returning again next year with our national show – which is the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses and such an important event in promoting the pedigree Shire."

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 returned there for three days of competition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Shire Horse Society campaigned 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.

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