Description:

The event is one of the biggest of its kind in the south, and one of the few in the UK where visitors can see these powerful and majestic horses display their skills and versatility with continuous ringside commentary, given this year by Sarah Rouse. Sarah is a well-known figure in the horse world and has been a very popular commentator at the event in recent years.

During the two days, over forty Shires, Clydesdales, Suffolks, British Percherons and Ardennes horses will be taking part in a variety of activities. Weighing up to a ton and standing up to 19 hands high, these horses are prized for their good looks, gentle temperament and capacity for work. Heavy horses have found a modern role in the leisure and public relations industries, environmentally sensitive forestry and on organic smallholdings.

Among the events at the Spectacular this year is one of the newest and most exciting developments in the heavy horse scene – cross-country driving. This will be the highlight of the Spectacular on the Saturday: intrepid drivers will be putting on a special display of timed obstacle driving through a cones course – there is nothing more dramatic than a pair of heavy horses thundering past you at speed!

On both days, there will be a display by John McDermott with his horse-drawn St.Giles steam fire engine, complete with ‘firemen’ in period costume. This wonderful spectacle re-creates the days of fire fighting before the arrival of modern technology and appliances, and has been a dramatic highlight of the show in years gone by. This year is particularly significant for John and his team as the magnificent engine itself is celebrating its 100th birthday!

Other ring demonstrations include agricultural vehicles, brewers' drays, harnessing and decoration, and an appearance by the Museum’s own cattle transporter, built in 1911 by Horder & Sons, and drawn by one of the resident working Shire horses. One of the most popular elements of the event is the chance to get up close to the ‘heavies’ as their owners prepare them in the horsebox area, and the event is rounded off with a grand parade. An interesting and varied collection of craft and trade stands will be on the Museum site throughout the event, offering a range of items such as country clothing, local produce, garden wares, books, gifts, jewellery and local crafts.