Change appears to be the theme for the year. The weather seemed very changeable to say the least! Our sympathy goes to those who got caught up in the floods.
The Committee has undergone some change as Richard and Angela Clifford have decided to stand down. I am sorry to see them go and I must thank them for all they have done for the Society and will continue to do for those people who wish to ask.
As the New Year approaches perhaps we should be looking to the future of the working horse. We seem to be very good in this country at using horses to re-create and/or evoke the past but we don’t seem to be so good at creating a future role for horses with growing concerns over food miles and carbon footprints perhaps a use could be found for horses in local transport and food production systems.
On the subject of recreating the past don’t forget the Spring Working on May 19th, we do hope to provide some thoughts for the future. Please do get involved with this, we do need ideas and help to make this a success again.
May I wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy, dryer, New Year and I will no doubt see you all at the AGM!
Julian Hunt
Chairman
The day dawned another disappointing August summer morning and rain threatened as I drove over to Malmesbury. Following Thomas’ directions my destination appeared and I parked in the designated field – noting several horseboxes already in the driveway.
Walking in the eye is taken to an interesting structure resembling a scaffold….oh yes…I remember… the stocks for the farrier and Monarch.
The guys were setting up ‘camp’ with a very effective canopy with sides. When we had all arrived and Angela had warned us there would be no more tea (a threat she failed to live up to!), we headed off to the stables for the first task of the day. The two horses were standing in their stalls, and also, a visitor in the loose box. This was a beautiful shiny black Fell pony already tacked and ready to go … more of him later. Harry was brought out of his stall to be harnessed and the watching group of twelve were asked to participate. As this is the only opportunity for some of us to practise we do try. Keith was first. He managed well with the collar and the hames with Harry being helpful and cooperative as usual. The middle bit is a blur and then the breeching straps. Keith tried but the straps twisted themselves the wrong way and Richard had to step forward to show us how smoothly and effortlessly the task could be completed. It seems to be all in how you pick the harness up and hold it by hanging most of it on your shoulder. Two recurring themes of the day were – finding ways to hold the harness, rope or cart shaft with different parts of your body to leave the hands free, and - taking time to look at the task before and after to make sure the many many details are correct.
Next – who would put on the bridle? Full of confidence I stepped forward. Had I not spent most of the Summer putting on bridles? What could go wrong??
The bridle had a noseband (not a feature of the bridles on the trekking ponies I had been tacking up). Concentrating hard on this extra kit I got the bridle on at full stretch, but on standing back heard the ominous words…’well, there is something obviously wrong with that!’ Remember those words of advice above? Yes… I was so busy concentrating on one extra item I had completely ignored the other … rings at the side of the bit (to stop it pinching the mouth?). Of course, they were both on one side instead of neatly at each side. Off came the bridle and on the second attempt I was rewarded with the words…’yes, yes .. that’s good’.
Would I attach the reins? Why not? I was clear in my mind what was needed, I thought I had a strategy that would prevent me from getting tied in knots and I began. Patiently Richard and the others watched as the reins were uncoiled, separated and recoiled to suit the picture in my head. I did thread the reins through the terrets before clipping to the bit but the rope reins themselves were most unmanageable. Trying to hang them neatly over the hames required more coordination than I was capable of and Richard again performed his practised art that makes events smoothly and calmly progress.
A few more people had arrived so tea was again offered whilst Martin got Harry ready to be hitched to a cart. Learning how to guide a horse to and between shafts was another absorbing lesson - watching as all the people who know what they are doing focus on that act, whilst we listen to their comments and try to notice exactly what it is they are doing.
As this was going on Karen and Joe’s coloured cob, Megan, was led across the driveway towards a small paddock. We were ready for a demonstration of actual work. The fell pony was also brought out and the horses were set to harrowing the ground. Tim & Mary Davies, the fell pony’s owners, were getting expert advice from Richard on the correct size of whipple tree (or is it swingle tree) to use with the pony.
Angela arrived with another tray of tea and some people went to watch and participate in hitching both Harry and Monarch to the double-shafted (? mower). Again the ability to hold three things at once was required. Here’s a tip – you balance the shaft on your knee. Make sure there are brakes on!! It is also always useful to be handy with baling twine and a penknife.
This was also a good opportunity to look at the scaffold for the farrier and the assorted carts and equipment on view. All too soon it was time to stop watching and chatting, trying to share our knowledge and understanding, and get on with lunch.
This took place under the shelter, as the weather had not brightened, although neither had it poured! I was lucky to have the expert eyes of Dawn, Richard and Martin cast over a set of pony harness impulsively bought at the recent Brecon sales. Good enough to get started with was the verdict. The Davies sat by me at lunch and also had lots of good advice from their own experience of driving horses and ponies.
In the afternoon a real treat as we watched Julian’s horses, Star and Lawson being harnessed and then hitched together as a pair for only the second time, under the watchful eye and hand of Richard. Angela (whilst taking orders for yet another tea round) encouraged those watching to attempt a commentary on ‘ the what and why’ of what was happening. She noticed a flaw in the arrangement of the front straps of the two horses and after some (manly) discussion it was admitted she was correct (the straps were the wrong way around in relation to the way the two horses were standing – a fine detail). The two horses looked beautiful as they were led round to the bright blue and red wagon. Richard alighted and then without a moment of doubt the whole apparition moved off towards the gateway, and safely through under Richard’s steady hands even on uneven ground. The two looked as though they had done this many times – but after a while it was clear that Star was doing an unfair amount of the work. Julian was complimented on the schooling he had done, but there was more work ahead.
All in all a fine and enjoyable day spent with enthusiasts. As Angela provided us with yet more tea and melt-in-your-mouth rock cakes. The two shires, who had been patient all day, frolicked in the paddock and showed us how they could really kick up their heels!!
Lou Perry
The morning had a hint of Autumn, the grass in the park was damp with dew, but as the day progressed the sun began to shine and, like last year, it was a beautiful day. We had another successful show and thanks go to all members who helped by competing, stewarding, staffing the MEU, commentating and catering. Our judge was Mr. A. Ellis Davies, from Swansea, and the shoeing judge was Mr. Adrian Parkes from Charlton near Malmesbury. The following report has been provided by Mr. Tony Baker who was once again our chief steward.
Ellis Davies made the journey from Swansea to officiate at the 11th Cotswold Cart Horse Society’s Showing classes held at Frampton Country Fair, in the park of Frampton Court on Sunday 9th September.
An encouraging eight geldings were forward with three Shires, one Suffolk and an Ardennes/ Shire cross representing the larger draught breeds a Cob, Dales, and an Irish Draught x Connemara TB, representing the smaller breeds. Westons Cider’s Senitor won the class narrowly beating Diana Mails Arclid Beamish who the judge felt needed to fill out a bit before he could knock Senitor off of the top spot.
Mares provided a chance to see a piebald Cob and a Suffolk battle it out, with the Chesnut taking the red rosette for Mike Clarke with his Holbeach Bella showing with her foal Holbeach Grace at foot.
The Society prides itself on its young handlers class and four participants took part by first backing a Shire between shafts, long reining a Irish Draught x through a marked course with ninety degree bends and around cones, followed by harnessing a cob to shaft harness and finally answering questions on harness and points of a horse. All points were very close and top marks were finally awarded to Alexander Denney.
Ten harness exhibitors were divided into two classes, four with decorated and six working sets. Richard Gifford shone above the rest in decorated and Graham Miles set a high standard with his working set.
Special mention should be made of the implement class which provided spectators a chance to see five splendidly restored farm implements ranging from a side rake, hay sweep ,single row root drill, fertiliser spreader and a swath turner. Implements classes have improved dramatically recently and all exhibitors showed well restored implements in a very interesting class which was described by our commentator for the day, Angela Gifford/
Three agricultural vehicles entered the ring to give a varied display of vehicles. First was Graham Miles beautifully restored flat bed wagon complete with ladders. Although Harold Williams was unable to attend he sent a large boat wagon and a tip cart, both turnouts supporting sets of team bells which gave a pleasant sound throughout the show ground and stood second and third respectively . Westons Cider joined the group with the only trade turnout and was judged to be the second best vehicle with their rides vehicle.
The day was concluded with a grand parade in the main ring, an award was presented by our judge, Mr Davies, to the best entry from a CCHS member awarded on points per placing system which was won this year by Westons Cider, who also won the best shod horse, judged by Mr Adrian Parkes from Malmesbury.
Tony Baker
- Class 1a Gelding in Hand
- H. Weston & Sons’ Shire ‘Senator’
- Diana Mail’s Shire ‘Arclid Beamish’
- Martin Frayling’s Shire ‘Monarch’
- Mike Clarke’s Suffolk ‘Holbeach Harvest’ Class
- 1b Mare in Hand
- Mike Clarke’s Suffolk ‘Holbeach Belle’
- Joe & Karen Deacon’s cob ‘Megan’
- Class 2a Decorated Harness
- Richard Gifford’s Shire ‘Harry’
- Harold Williams’s Shire ‘Charlie’
- Harold Williams’s ClydesdaleX ‘Frenchee’
- P. & D. Large’s Shire/Ardennes ‘Parlan’
- Class 2b Working Harness
- Graham Miles’s Shire ‘Champion’
- Graham Miles’s Shire ‘Amber’
- Joe & Karen Deacon’s cob ‘Megan’
- Martin Frayling’s Shire ‘Monarch’
- Class 3. Young Handler
- Alexander Denney
- Holly Johnson
- Katy Paddock
- Jess Ree
- Class 4 Horse-drawn Implement
- Martin Frayling’s ‘Monarch driven to a swath-turner by Richard Gifford.
- Graham Miles’s ‘Champion’ driven to a hay-turner by the owner.
- Richard Gifford’s ‘Harry’ driven to a hay-sweep by Martin Frayling.
- Mike Clarke’s ‘Holbeach Harvest’ driven to a seed-drill by the owner.
- Class 5a Trade Turnout: H. Weston & Sons’ pair of Shires driven to a Dray by Tom Manns.
- Class 5b Agricultural Turnout
- Graham Miles’s ‘Champion’ driven to a wagon by the owner.
- Harold Williams’s ‘Charlie’ driven to a wagon.
- Harold Williams’s ‘Frenchee’ driven to a tip cart
- Best Shod H. Weston & Sons ‘Senator’ shod by Nigel Brown of Abergavenney
- Best Plaited Mane Diana Mail’s ‘Arclid Beamish’ plaited by the owner
- Best Plaited Tail J & K Deacon’s ‘Megan’ plaited by Karen Deacon
- Winner of the Jim Wiggett Memorial Cup Club member with the most overall points H. Weston & Sons
It was a glorious Autumn day for the 65th anniversary ploughing match of the Trumpet and District Agricultural Society, which took place at Woodmanton Farm, Yarkhill on Thursday 4th October. There were 10 classes for tractors and three classes for horses. There were 12 horse teams forward, including 3 from this society and Kim Williams successfully defended his title in the General Purpose class. Results for our members were as follows:-
General Purpose.
1st. Kim Williams – who also won the Whitbread Trophy for the best ploughman living within the area of the Trumpet & District Ag. Society, and the Sparkes Cup for Best in Class.
3rd. Nicky Baldwin, ploughing with Harold Williams’ team.
Unled.
Martin Frayling, ploughing with his and Richard Gifford’s team won 2nd for Neatest and Cleanest Team, 2nd Best Pair of Horses and 2nd Best Gelding.
Tom Manns was present with Westons Cider’s pair and dray, driving around the match field so that Westons staff could dispense liquid refreshment to the ploughmen.
John Wayman
As many of you will know, Thomas Jackson, our Events Officer, and Fiona were married on September 15th. Transport to and from Frampton Mansell church was provided by Richard Gifford and Martin Frayling with their horses drawing Thomas’s own vehicle. Photographs are included in this edition.
A very cold wind was blowing up at Dawn’s in Yorkley as Abbie and I arrived for the start of the day. We had a very warm welcome from Rolf and Paddy, the dogs. We were both excited and a little nervous, as new people were coming today.
We should not have worried as Alex, Hamish, Holly, Holly and Jess were great. Parlan looked as if he was smoking as his warm breath hit the cold air. He is magnificent, strong and kind and I wish he was mine.
Dawn set up an obstacle course for Star, Parlan and Megan, we all had a go.
The most difficult part was backing them into shafts. Karen and Joe walked around with Megan and Julian with Star to encourage us. It was fantastic!
Thank you Dawn for always supporting me, it gets better each year. This is my fourth year as a Young Handler.
Kate Paddock
p.s. Thank you Pete for the fantastic feast!
Note: For all you Young handlers the next day will be Saturday 1st March 2008 and we hope for a warmer day! We will hold the event at Yorkley and will start at about 11am with grooming and harnessing in the morning with long reining in the afternoon. These are informal days for the youngsters to enjoy and parents are more than welcome to stay and join in or just watch. Please let me know if you intend to come as we will provide lunch and I will need to know approximate numbers. My telephone number s 01594 564472. I look forward to seeing all of the ‘regulars’ and, hopefully some new faces.
Dawn Large
From February we will be running a monthly training group. We will provide the horses and our aim is to encourage you all to come and have ‘hands-on’ experience with the horses, covering stable management, harnessing and working. The first day will be at Yorkley in the Forest of Dean on Saturday 16th February 2008 and the second on 29th March 2008. We will not always meet at Yorkley, but in the Winter months we can benefit from the luxury of an indoor school for several hours for the working elements of our day. It is hoped that during the Spring and Summer we can move around and will offer or services to anyone in the society who needs their paddock harrowed or perhaps some timber moved, thus giving us and the horses a job to do. If you would like more information, or intend to come, please telephone Dawn Large on 01594 564472. Numbers are required so that lunch can be provided.
Dawn Large
This will be held on Saturday 2nd February at 7.30pm in Frampton Mansell Village Hall. Frampton Mansell is off the A419 Stroud to Cirencester road. Approaching from Stroud, take the second turning signed-posted for Frampton Mansell and the village hall is on the right as you enter the village. Parking is available. If you have arrived in the village from the other road, turn right at the centre of the village, back up the hill and the hall will be on the left.
Please support this event to find out what the society has planned and to elect members to fill vacancies on the council, for which a nomination form is enclosed. Why not consider standing yourself?
After the business meeting light refreshments will be available and a video of a trip undertaken by some members to the biennial Pferde Stark at Detmold will be shown. This is a large event for many types of working horses.
We should welcome prizes for a raffle.
