GALLERY: Heavy Horse Show at Singleton museum

Almost 5,000 visitors basked in the Singleton sunshine on Saturday and Sunday, while watching breeds such as Shire, Suffolk Punch, Percheron, Clydesdale and Comtois being put through their paces.

Fascinating horse-drawn vehicles were on parade, including a rare outing for the museum’s gypsy caravan, pulled by its Shires Mac and Major.

Visitors were also treated to a display by a horse-drawn fire engine, rushing to put out a fire in the arena, and the event concluded with a parade of breeds through the museum site.

On Saturday, the British Heavy Horse Cross Country Trials, a multidisciplinary event including dressage, marathon, obstacle drive and cones competitions, took place.

On Sunday, the event ended with a grand parade of many horses and horse-drawn vehicles.

Visitors enjoyed browsing the selection of craft and trade stands.

They were also able to watch demonstrations with a countryside theme, including pole lathe turning, walking stick making and a display by the Guild of Model Wheelwrights.

‘Have-a-go’ options included archery, riding a friendly donkey and taking a horse and carriage ride.

The museum’s next major event is the Rare and Traditional Breeds Show on July 17.

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