Farm makes use of horsepower (From Warrington Guardian)

Farm makes use of horsepower

Modern machinery has left many of Britain's heavy horses without a job.

But staff at Tatton Park have been promoting the versatility of the breed by showing it can also be ridden - to help improve its image.

"They come in as a driven horse but we want to show that they can be a ridden horse as well," said farm ranger Jayne Chapman.

"People are not used to seeing the horse like that and it can be quite daunting at first."

Tatton currently has four heavy horses - one Shire and three Clydesdales. But numbers across the UK are declining. The horses were once an integral part of the farming community and are used to pulling machinery but state-of-the-art equipment has taken their place.

Last year only 188 Clydesdale foals were registered in Britain - the lowest number since 1996 - but many end up being sold abroad.

"They are much more aware of what is happening abroad and are doing what they can to promote the horses," said Jayne.

"But if that doesn't happen here the situation will only get worse." Two of Tatton's Clydesdales - Arclid Soldier Blue and Arclid Finn McColl - are now ridden at demonstrations. At the recent Arley Country Fair and Lower Peover Game Fair, the two heavyweights cleared hurdles and performed basic dressage moves to classical music.

"The performance is always well received and really does help to demonstrate the versatility of the heavier horses," said Jayne.

"They may not be the quickest but they really do give a lovely ride and they have great temperaments."

Visitors can see the horses at the rare breeds farm in Tatton every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk