Actor, presenter and heavy horse enthusiast, Martin Clunes will appear at the Royal Bath and West Show later this month to officially open the new Heavy Horse Village.
Martin will be on site at the Royal Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet at 10am on Thursday 28 May to welcome visitors into the Heavy Horse Village where a range of the UK’s heavy horse breeds will be on display as part of the inaugural Festival of Heavy Horses.
Celebrating gentle giants
The Festival of Heavy Horses was created by heavy horse enthusiast Diana McFeat who wanted to bring all the UK’s heavy horse breeds together in one place.
“All of these horses are rare breeds. The individual societies do a brilliant job, but they naturally focus on their own breed. I wanted to showcase them all together, so the public can see them side by side,” said Diana.
“The whole point is allowing people to get up close and personal. You can meet the horses, talk to the owners and really experience them. They have such a presence, there really is nothing else like them.”
Experience the ‘wow factor’
The festival will feature in-hand showing and driven displays and will highlight the heritage and evolving role of heavy horses.
“Years ago, a handler would walk up to 10 miles to plough just one acre. It really puts into perspective the work these horses did,” continued Diana.
“I want people to come away with that wow factor. Find a spot by the ring, feel the ground as they move, hear the harness, and just take it all in. They’re powerful, but they’re also incredibly kind. They’re unforgettable.”
The Royal Bath & West Show will take place from Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 May. For more information and to buy tickets click here.
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