Shire horse show returns to Newark Showground

The National Shire Horse Show returned for a successful second event at Newark Showground – offering Shire enthusiasts the chance to compete and fans of the breed the opportunity for a fascinating day out.

With around 200 entries, the annual show is the largest gathering of pedigree Shire horses in the world.
Visitors came from far and wide to enjoy the event, including Canada, the USA, Sweden, Austria,

Vintage tractor demonstrations, displays by equine team Equistry, trade stands and other stalls complemented the equestrian action in the two outdoor rings – giving visitors a range of interesting attractions.

Horses were shown in hand, in harness and ridden in classes that were held over two days.

The Champion Stallion was Herkules Catching Fire owned by Mr Christer Paulsson, from Sweden, and the Champion Female was Batley Pepper Gray owned by Messrs Richard & Robert Bedford, from Yorkshire.

Chief executive of the Shire Horse Society and show director Victoria Clayton said: “The sun shone on us and we had a super couple of days at Newark Showground for our National Show.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us – visitors, exhibitors, trade stand holders and the team of judges, stewards, officials, commentators and volunteers. This was the second year that we have held our National Show at Newark Showground and once again we were given a very warm welcome.”

The show 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 1878, when the charity was named the English Cart Horse Society.

The National Shire Horse Show is the flagship event of the Shire Horse Society, the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse. Only a few decades ago, the breed was in danger of dying out. It has experienced a resurgence in recent years, but it is still on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s ‘at risk’ list, with fewer than 300 pedigree Shire horse foals born in the UK every year.

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