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Gentle giants of the horse world return to Staffordshire

Organisers of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses are offering free admission to children on the final day of the show.

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Shire Horses will be back out on parade at the showground. Picture: Real Time Imaging

The event takes place indoors at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground, from March 20 to 22.

During the show, the gentle giants of the horse world are put through their paces in hand, harness and ridden classes.

There is also the chance to see animals up close in their stables as they are prepared for the show, and to learn more about what it takes to breed and rear a champion.

New for this year are horseshoe-making and shoeing demonstrations, plus a mini museum showcasing horse-drawn vehicles and implements, along side the usual trade stands.

Billed as the largest gathering of Shire horses in the world, the annual National Shire Horse Show attracts more than 200 horses from across Europe.

The event is organised by the Shire Horse Society, the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire horse.

And this year, the charity has decided to offer free admission to children aged between five and 13, on March 22, when accompanied by an admission-paying adult. Under fives are free over all three days.

Victoria Clayton, secretary of the Shire Horse Society, said: “Shire horses are a breed at risk, with fewer than 300 foals generally registered in the UK each year.

"One of our roles as the Shire Horse Society is to promote these incredible animals and ensure that they have a bright future.

“It’s important we educate the younger generations about our native British breeds in the hope that they will share our passion to protect them.

"We decided this year that we would open our doors for free on the final day of the show to youngsters, when accompanied by an admission-paying adult, to give them the chance to experience the sights and sounds of our annual show.”

The show returns to Staffordshire Showground for the fifth time, with ticket prices remaining the same as last year, which are available in advance at a discount from the society’s website.

Adults tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the gate, and £8, rising to £10, for children aged five to 13.

Family tickets, for two adults and two children, are £32 in advance or £40 on the gate. Car parking is £2, payable on the day only.

For further information or to book tickets, go to shire-horse.org.uk/national-show

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