The
Western Counties Heavy Horse Society
Images by James Pyne Photography
Heavy Horses Working - look out for their excellent events
T
he Society was formed in 1975 with the aim of promoting heavy horses and encouraging their use in agriculture, industry and leisure. In 2006 it was incorporated into a limited company with a share guarantee. Four breeds of heavy horse are recognized in this country; the Shire, Suffolk Punch, Clydesdale and Percheron. The Shire is the
most numerous, but is nevertheless listed as ‘At Risk’ with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The Suffolk is ‘critical’ and the Clydesdale is ‘vulnerable’. The Percheron was originally imported from France after the First World War, where it had acquitted itself well and impressed with its draught abilities (being cleaned legged it did not suffer from
exposure to mud). The Society at present has 300 members. It is not necessary to own or work a horse. A quarterly newsletter keeps members up to date and two events are held annually. The ‘Working’ is in August at a farm “Somewhere in the West Country” where ‘From Plough to Loaf’ is demonstrated. Ploughing, rolling, harrowing, drilling and
The Devonshire magazine
finally cutting corn with a binder. The demonstration sets out to be entertaining, educational and for the remaining few, nostalgic. (The latter need to be well into their eighties to be genuinely in the horse era and then late in the day!) The educational side is considered very important. ‘From Plough to Loaf ’ with the help of a commentator takes the public