Horsing around

The first Saturday in September is traditionally the date for Keighley Agricultural Show. Compared with some, it's a relatively small affair but I really enjoy it and it's not far to go (and easy, on the bus).

Much of the day is taken up with equestrian classes - both show jumping, and the judging of different classes of horses. The horses are always turned out smartly and the judges do a thorough job of checking them over: musculature, coat, teeth, gait...

They start young! A tiny tot on a tiny Shetland pony:

There is a category for heavy horses too: Shires, Clydesdales, Percheron and Suffolk Punch. I'm not entirely sure which is which, though I think those in my photos are Shires and Clydesdales. These horses were originally bred as draught horses for heavy farm work, ploughing, logging, and pulling carts, wagons and, of course, barges along the canals. A few do still work but most are now bred for showing. 

I love these horses. My enthusiasm is either in my genes (my great grandfather was a horseman) and/or a memory from my childhood. My dad used to take me to watch my uncle competing, with a horse and a plough, in the ploughing matches that used to be held. 

Heavy horses are still used in certain areas. Kings College in Cambridge has had a wildflower meadow for several years now, which is traditionally harvested using two Shire horses called Cosmo and Bryn. That is so much better for the environment than using tractors. See HERE.