The organisers of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses have announced the date of next year’s event.  The National Shire Horse Show will take place outdoors at Newark Showground over the weekend of Saturday, 19th and Sunday, 20th March 2022.

With Covid-19 still firmly at the fore front of the organiser’s minds and ensuring the event follows all guidelines, holding the event outdoors in the ‘fresh air’ will enable the most suitable environment as opposed to an indoor setting.

“After two cancelled shows we are excited to once again pick up the reins and start planning our much loved show for 2022. Visitors, old and young relish their annual trip to the show and enjoy watching these magnificent Shire horses take centre stage” said Victoria Clayton, secretary of The Shire Horse Society.

“Our event is believed to be one of the oldest horse shows in the world, having been held for the first time at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, in 1878, when our charity was named the English Cart Horse Society.

“Situated just off the A1 in the East Midlands, Newark Showground is the ideal venue for us at this time and we are very much looking forward to welcoming back Shire horses and their owners, handlers and members from across Europe” said Victoria Clayton.

The National Shire Horse Show attracts around 250 pedigree Shire horses from across Europe, which are shown in-hand, ridden or turned out. The show offers visitors the opportunity to see these majestic horses and indeed learn about the important role they played in Britain’s history.

The Shire horse breed is on the ‘at risk’ register compiled by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with fewer than 300 pedigree Shire horse foals born in the UK every year.  The annual show is the flagship event for the Shire Horse Society – the charity that works to protect and promote the breed.

As well as showing classes over two days, the event features trade and other stands, stable tours and children’s entertainment. Online ticket sales will be available in the autumn via the Society’s website.

For more information and tickets please visit: www.shire-horse.org.uk