Wednesday 11 September 2019

Heavy Friends

It's full name is the Haddenham Steam Rally And Heavy Horse Show, so I'd better show you a few pictures of our weighty equine companions.



They are all turned out beautifully for the show which takes place in a corner of the huge field, away from the noise of the machines and the bustle of the crowd.



I know these stocky, short-legged chesnut horses are Suffolk Punches, a breed well-suited for farm work on the heavy soils of East Anglia, so it's fitting that they should be here alongside the steam engines and tractors who followed them in doing the hard graft of agriculture. 



I believe the dappled grey is a Percheron; most Percherons are that colour. They came originally from Western France and were first bred as war-horses in much the same way as our English Shire Horses are descended from the Great Horse which was developed to carry armoured knights.



There were special classes for mares with their foals. The gentleman in black is one of the competition judges while tweeds and flat caps are usually favoured by horse-people of both sexes.



Even quite small horsemen can be seen wearing caps.



It's necessary to keep ones strength up with a quick snack of hay.



The parading and judging seemed to go on throughout the day, though it was easier to take pictures while they were awaiting their turn in the ring.



I'm sure that horses understand exactly what is required when they pose for a photo. And just to finish off here are some beautifully carved wooden horses on the carousel.




Take care.


19 comments:

  1. The picture of the judge and the two participants would seem to indicate that the living is good!

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  2. Hi John - loved your photos ... while the horse has been an amazing animal throughout history. The little lad must be precious and very knowledgeable ... a delightful post - cheers Hilary

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  3. Love those Punches. Great looking work horses.

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  4. Thank you for showing the horses.I was disappointed yesterday when you didn't show them! What a great show, my husband and I would have enjoyed that,he the tractors and me the nags! He would have loved the old airplanes too. Don't usually comment but I love your blog and read every day.Beautiful England, how I miss it. Thank you

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  5. Such great beautiful creatures, who have served mankind well.

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  6. Oh, they're so beautiful. I've farming blood in my veins, and I'm sure that's why I thrill to these working horses. They have them at shows up here but rarely more than two or three. There obviously aren't many breeders locally.

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  7. You did not disappoint! Oh, I so love them...they are beautiful. There is just something about horses...

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  8. Oh my gosh aren't they gorgeous creatures John. Looks like they spend more time getting their manes styled than I do 😉 The flat caps and tweed made me smile.. 'I say old sport'.. so very English 🐎

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  9. Love to see those beautiful horses John.

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  10. So pretty, and so well dressed!

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  11. Wow, the horses are absolutely beautiful.
    Great shots, John.

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  12. Fabulous shots of those beautiful, powerful animals.

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  13. Beautiful! Gorgeous! Wish I could have been there too. Those big fellas are so impressive.

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  14. I am sure there is a proper term, but I like all the pretty decorations in the horses mane.

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