I am beginning to associate events run by the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association with getting very wet! June 7th began well enough with the occasional light shower but otherwise it was really pleasant and of course the Weald & Downland Museum provided a most appropriate and lovely setting for the show.

For those who have never been, a visit to the Museum is strongly recommended. Situated on the South Downs (only a mile or so from Goodwood Racecourse) the museum is spaciously laid out and comprises old buildings of historic interest from the region, which have now been moved and lovingly rebuilt by volunteers to save them from demolition. Every effort is made to demonstrate what rural life would have been like for people living and working at different stages of our history. For example, there is a working watermill, which produces stoneground flour, a charcoal burner's kiln, and a wonderfully equipped forge where demonstrations are held.

The show began with a demonstration of horse drawn equipment and machinery for both agricultural and forestry purposes. In the second ring the obstacle competition was in full swing, all the simulated 'road works' looked and sounded quite alarming. I think few ridden horses would have gone through them without considerable difficulty. Another interesting obstacle was the 'simulated' water, made more difficult because it was very narrow and set between hurdles. It was a real test of driving skill and fascinating to watch.

One of the real pleasures of a show like this is to spend time 'behind the scenes' talking to the exhibitors. They are invariably very generous with their time and willing to share their knowledge. I was very honoured to spend some time with Willie Clark (and his horses Earl and Duke) and be shown how to plait a heavy horses's mane for the ring. (More of that in the future!). There were two displays of horse drawn trade and agricultural vehicles during the day, with a very high standard of turnout and some unusual and interesting vehicles on view. Willie Clark had completely restored his light barrel dray himself and it is one of the only three ever built - all of which are still in existence - one is in Scotland and one is used by the Ringwood Brewery. It was a wonderful sight as was George Gale & Co's Bottle Dray shown by Mike Millington. It was a very professional turnout and a credit to the local brewery, based nearby at Charlton.

Another extremely unusual vehicle was the strawberry cart driven by Viv Layfield. Built in 1906 it was used to transport strawberries to market in such a way that they didn't get damaged in transit. Carts such as this were peculiar to the local region which was the main strawberry growing area in the country.

All the way from Devon were Nora and Brian Willis who traditionally take the trouble to visit the show with one of their brood mares. They displayed their lovely mare Kissie with her yearling foal, Sorrel. Originally it was the Willis' intention to sell Sorrel but she is obviously developing into such a super young horse that they have changed their minds! Kissie should be back next year, hopefully with a new foal at foot.

The weather changed with a vengeance in the afternoon, although the heavy showers died down sufficiently to enable a further display of trade and farm turnouts to take place. This included Brian Wither's Hampshire Boat Waggon pulled by Lawrence who was busy tackling the obstacle course during the morning session. Unfortunately as the display came to an end the heavens opened with a 'shower' which could only be described as prolonged and torrential, and the organisers had no alternative but to call a halt to the proceedings.

Sadly this meant that the sled pulling competition had to be cancelled and John McDermott's pair of Percherons pulling a field gun and limber (from Fort Brockenhurst at Gosport) could hardly be seen through the driving rain. It was understandable therefore that they would not wish to give a protracted display, but even so the speed at which they covered the arena brought this most enjoyable show to a dramatic conclusion.

Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association

The aims of Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association are:

• To promote and encourage the art of horse ploughing

• To promote horse ploughing matches and workings

• To encourage more men and women to compete in horse ploughing and showing

• To foster interest in the work of the heavy horse and encourage young people to understand and possibly work with heavy horses

• To cooperate with other societies of similar interests

Membership fees - Single annual £12.00 (under 16 £1.00)

Family (2 adults plus children under 16) £20.00

Single Life Membership £120.00

If you would enjoy seeing a wonderful array of Heavy Horses working make a note of the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association's major event this Autumn:

18th October, 1998

THE GREAT ALL ENGLAND HEAVY HORSE PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP AND SHOW

at Cross Farm, Shackleford, Godalming, courtesy of Mr Raymond Stobbold.

Don't miss seeing 35-40 teams of horses ploughing! also over 100 horses in hand, Trade Turnouts and Agricultural Classes .... A wonderful day out.