Hook Norton Brewery, now one of only three breweries in the UK with working, delivering Shire Horses proved triumphant once again, at West Oxfordshire and District Riding Club. (WODRC)

Hosted in Brize Norton, under the noise of the thundering military jets, WODRC offers several in-hand and ridden classes for a variety of different horses and ponies. Taking place on Sunday 1st May, competitors braved the threat of rain and turned out in force to support this fantastic show.

The Breweries 3 year old gelding, Brigadier competed in ‘Best Turned Out’ securing 1st place with Head Coachman, Nick before competing in ‘Open Horse’ with Groom, Alyster Mills, going on again to secure 1st place. Securing two first place rosettes qualified him to compete for the Championship, a highly contested class made up of all competitors who secured 1st and 2nds throughout the day. He behaved impeccably, and went on to win Reserve Champion in a very tightly contested class.

Nicholas Carter, Head Coachman commented ‘I’m exceptionally proud of Brigadier, this stands as only his third show and he hasn’t yet placed lower than 3rd since the beginning of the year. Despite being tired on the Sunday, having worked the Saturday at the Perch Oxfords’ Beer Festival, he did exceptionally well and behaved impeccably. He’s shaping into a fantastic young horse and the future looks to be very bright for him and the Brewery.’

Shire Horses remain at critical risk of extinction, with their numbers rapidly declining due to no longer having a use in agricultural work, despite this they do make fantastic riding horses and their popularity is slowly growing year by year.
Hook Norton Brewery has recently achieved the accolade of ‘Shire Horse Society Approved Centre’ status, meeting a rigorous set criteria ensuring their stables confirm to the highest of standards and the knowledgeable team on site are working in unison with the society to support and raise awareness of these magnificent animals.
To keep up with the Breweries two resident Shire horses and Clydesdale, head to their Facebook ‘Hooky Brewery Heavy Horses.’