Heavy Horses

Western Counties Heavy Horse Society

The

The Society was formed in 1975 by a group of people who wanted to advance the interest of the Heavy Horse. Initially it was confined to the boundaries of Devon, Dorset and Somerset but our current membership of over 250 live in areas far beyond these counties. The Society is run by a Council of 12 members

and events are always held in the South West.

Annually, we hold a ‘Working Day’ and ‘Ploughing Match’ to which members are given free entry. During the year we hold other activities i.e. talks, film shows, visits and social evenings. Our aim

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is to offer a practical service to horse owners and provide pleasure and recreation to those interested in the Heavy Horse.

A quarterly Newsletter keeps members informed of Shows, Sales, horses at stud and forthcoming events.

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

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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

through the various stages required to produce a loaf of bread (whether by horse or modern tractor).

The plough is the first step and is one of man’s greatest inventions.

In one movement, it cuts, lifts and turns over the soil. It is worth remembering that a ploughman with his pair of horses and single furrow plough, ploughed an acre a day and in doing so walked eleven miles.

• The roller flattens or levels the furrow and is the first stage in producing the tilth.

• The harrow breaks down the soil into a fine tilth (similar to the garden rake).

• The drill is the means by which the seed is sown.

• The binder cuts the corn, ties the sheaves which are tossed out onto the ground to be picked up and carried to the stack or rick prior to threshing.

Finally bread is baked on the field by the ‘Common Loaf’ a Christian commune who reside at Dunkeswell in East Devon. Their bread is then offered for sale to the public.

Besides that there are Ring events and the opportunity to ‘Have a Go’ at ploughing.

The Ploughing Match takes place in late October every year. The match is competitive and generally we have as many as fifteen teams ploughing in various classes. The High Cut or Oat Seed Furrow demonstrates the skill of the ploughman very well.

Other classes include ‘General Purpose’ and ‘Cut Work’. A number of cups are awarded including the ‘Best Turned Out Team’ and Champion Ploughman. A class is also offered to the novices and we are lucky that we do attract a number of younger people willing to take up this challenge.

During the year we hold Members' Days. These events are held for the benefit of those who do not

have horses but who seek ‘hands on experience’ and are supportive of our Society. The days consist of an introduction to harnessing and an explanation of each piece of equipment. Handling the horse and finally being able to drive a team put to harrows or in a waggon.

The plough is the first step - one of man’s greatest inventions.

In one movement, it cuts, lifts and turns over the soil.

Membership of t he Societ y is by application. An annual subscription of £10 for a single and £15 for a family. Membership entitles free entry to the ‘Working’ and Ploughing Match together with the quarterly newsletters.

Heavy Horses Working is on Sunday 19th August 11am at Kingsdown

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Farm, Branscombe Cross, East Devon, EX10 OPD (on the A3052) by kind permission of Mr. Gerald Knight.

Entrance £5, Children Free. Horses will be seen working with a variety of vintage farm implements and corn will be cut in the traditional way.

Refreshments, Craft Stalls.

Heavy Horse Ploughing Match is on Sunday 28th October starting 9am at Marley Farm, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9JX (by kind permission of Mr. Chris Palk.)

Adults £5, Children Free.

Refreshments available.

Photos courtesy of James Pyne Photography: www.jamespyne.co.uk