Organisers of the World’s largest gathering of Shire horses have revealed more details about the event, which returns to Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire in March.
As well as the exciting ring classes, where the gentle giants of the horse world will be put through their paces in hand, in harness and ridden, the event will also feature displays.
The Nottinghamshire group of the Vintage Tractor and Engine Club and equestrian display team Equistry will once again be joining the Shire Horse Society at the charity’s National Show, which takes place 11 and 12 March at Newark Showground.
Specialising in multi-period historical and theatrical demonstrations, Equistry went down well at last year’s event, along with the Vintage Tractor and Engine Club who displayed more than 20 fascinating vehicles.
In addition, the event will also feature a range of food, trade and other stalls for visitors to browse.
Secretary of the Shire Horse Society and Show Director Victoria Clayton said: “We were given a really warm welcome when we held our show at Newark Showground for the first time last year and we are looking forward to returning in March.
“Our National Show is the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses and the chance for us to put this wonderful breed in the spotlight, celebrating the role of Shire horses in our history. The breed is still on the ‘at risk’ register of British breeds so it’s important that we continue to raise the profile of Shire horses and help protect these gentle giants of the horse world.
“Our National Show is the flagship event of the Shire Horse Society, so we hope that lots of visitors will join us to support our charity, which plays a vital role in securing the future of the Shire horse.”
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.
In 2022, it was held in Nottinghamshire for the first time and organisers have decided to return to the venue in 2023 – giving Shire horse enthusiasts the chance to compete in a range of different classes, and visitors the opportunity to see the gentle giants of the horse world in all their finery.
Tickets are now on sale for the event, discounted in advance, from www.shire-horse.org.uk
