Did you know that the Moreton Show we know and love today
was born when three local societies; The Cotswold Agricultural Society, The
Moreton Shire Horse Society and The Moreton in Marsh and District Agricultural
Society all amalgamated and became Moreton in Marsh & District Agricultural
& Horse Show Society in March 1949?
CAPTION:75 years of Moreton Show: all about its history,
heavy horse and how it began in 1949.
The inaugural
meeting decided that the objectives of the Society should be to improve the
breeding and rearing of livestock, hunters and heavy horses, and the standard
of farming and farm crafts. These objectives are still at the forefront of the
Society today, as well as promoting the high welfare standards that are upheld
in British Agricultural industry.
The more
modern Moreton Show also aims to help educate the general community where food
comes from and the importance of supporting our farmers: to encourage the next
generation to take up a career in the Ag industry.
Looking back,
Vice Chair of the horse section - Nicholas Carter - Head Coachman of Hook
Norton Brewery, is organising this year’s Heavy Horse Parade. Nicholas
reflects: “Is there anything more iconic than parading heavy horses at a
country show, the glossy white feathers, glistening brass and the tinkle of
bells? The heavy horse is now a dying sight from days gone by.”
Moreton Show,
one of the UKs largest one day agricultural show, is home to all four heavy
horse breeds, showcasing the Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk Punch and French
Percheron. These are the tractors of days gone by, who shaped and farmed the
land as we know it, now disappearing into the pages of history facing the real
threat of extinction.
At the first
show, held on Saturday 3rd September 1949, it was decided that Shire, Hunter,
Pony classes and jumping events would be included, together with classes for
Dairy Shorthorns, Ayrshires, Friesians, Jerseys, Guernseys and Red Polls, beef
bulls sheep and pigs. Farm and Craft competitions, known today as Farms &
Crops competitions, were to be held during the summer months with prizes
awarded for the best Farmed Farm – under 200 acres and over 200 acres, the Best
Fields of Barley, Wheat, Oats and Beans. The Best Crop of Potatoes, Mangolds or
Swedes and Kale, and the Best Three-Year Grazing Ley. Competitions for
agricultural workers included Ploughing, Hedging and Thatching.
Moreton Show
has grown extensively over the past 75 years, although remains in full support
of the majority of these competitions… and now many, many more.
One of the
team’s main focuses is the promotion and preservation of rare and minority
breeds. More rare breed classes are included in the Livestock schedule than
ever before and there will be a Heavy Horse Parade in the Grand Arena. The
parade will showcase the versatility of these large horses - in both driven and
ridden work - and hopefully help to secure their place for years to come. In
addition, this year Moreton Show is proud to be hosting the HOYS The Barber
Family Ridden Heavy Horse class, where ridden heavy horses from all four breeds
will compete for their space at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.
Jess Parkes,
Horse Secretary said: “The Heavy Horse Parade has always been a popular part of
the show but in recent years we have endeavoured to promote the Heavy Horses
more and with the help of Hook Norton Brewery, it has become a great
attraction. The Moreton Show Society are keen to continue to support and
promote the four heavy horse breeds as they are a crucial part of the Moreton
Show history and we do not want to see these beautiful creatures dwindle away.”
As well as
being this year’s Heavy Horse Parade organiser, Nick is also the Head Coachman
of Hook Norton Brewery; which remains only one of three breweries in the
country to still deliver to this day with horsedrawn dray to local pubs. Nick
says: “Moreton Show is easily one of the highlights in our calendar, last year
we debuted our four-year-old Shire horses, Brigadier and Balmoral who took to
the Grand Arena having only been trained to drive in June. We’re looking
forward to returning this year with the boys, as well as bringing with us our
award-winning ales.
In 2024 the
Shire Horse Society will be joining us over at the Hooky Heavy Horse Area where
you can learn more about our native British breed and ways in which you can
support.”
Don’t forget
to visit the Hooky Heavy Horse Area at the show, you will find them in the
Horse Area – near the Farriers. Moreton Show is looking forward welcoming many
rare breeds to the show on Saturday 7th September. Please head to the website
to enter Livestock and Horse Classes and book your tickets:
www.moretonshow.co.uk
