A rare Merthyr Flat carriage was one of over 50 turnouts on display at the 60th London Harness Horse Parade (LHHP) which took place at the South of England Showground on Easter Monday (6 April).
Turnouts covered all eras of driving and included a range of equestrian breeds from miniature Shetlands through to cobs, hackneys and Shire horses.
The Merthyr Flat carriage on display at LHHP was on loan from the San Cler Stud in South Wales and dates back to 1880. It is one of just two that are in existence – the other is in a Welsh museum. Merthyr Flat carriages were common trade vehicles in the South Wales valleys used for transporting goods such as fish, corn, firewood and coal.
Retaining its original ironwork and a replica of the original artwork – John M Smith & Co, who were trading until 1963 – the Merthyr Flat carriage on display was driven by Charlie Parker King and the groom was Alan Baldry. Alan’s four-year-old cob San Cler Bobby Dazzler drove the carriage.
Bucket list event
“I broke San Cler Bobby Dazzler to drive last year, having shown him in-hand previously and forming a special partnership with him,” said Charlie.
“The London Harness Horse Parade was on our list of events to do with him; never did I expect to be privileged enough to drive him on such a unique vehicle. It really was special and my first time there – but not my last.”
All turnouts have to pass a veterinary and farriery check to ensure horse welfare standards are met and the animal is not compromised by the harness set up. Following the welfare checks, the teams are judged and receive a first class or second class award.
‘Icing on the cake’
“I haven’t done the London Harness Parade since 2019 due to the retirement of our old cob,” said Alan.
“We bought Bobby Dazzler as a foal. We decided in 2025 to have him broken to drive. Then to be offered the stunning Merthyr Flat Bed on loan by the San Cler Stud owners, it really was obvious we had to complete the London Harness Horse Parade with this combination.
“Achieving all the necessary categories to be awarded First Class was the icing on the cake. We were thrilled its first outing was at the parade.”
The LHPP is an amalgamation of the London Cart Horse Parade, which was founded in 1885, and the London Van Horse Parade, which began in 1904. Both events were formed to monitor and improve the welfare of London’s working cart and heavy horses.
History
The parade began in Battersea Park and then moved to Regents Park but the introduction of the ULEZ Zone in London forced the parade to move out of the capital.
“We were thrilled with the number of exhibitors and overall standard of the 2026 parade,” said John Peacock, parade chairman.
“It was clear to see by the standard of all entrants that teams had put a significant amount of time into preparing both horse and cart for this historic event.
“Thankfully the weather was kind to us this year, and so everyone had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the glorious sunshine.
“It was great to see so many members of the public also attending to learn more about this historic activity and enable them to interact directly with the teams competing.”
The next LHHP will take place on Monday 29 March 2027. For more information click here.
Image © LHHP.
