The Wessex Heavy Horse Society

No heaven can heaven be, if my horse isn't there to welcome me.
- Anon

Welcome to the Wessex Heavy Horse Society website

The Wessex Heavy Horse Society is based in the Wessex region of the South of England and covers the area between the Heavy Horse societies of the Southern Counties and the Western Counties. The Society was originally formed as the Wessex Shire Horse Hiring Society, and was re-named in 2004 to reflect the broad membership base in all the British heavy horse breeds. The Society welcomes members from all over the UK, both horse-owners and non-owners.

The Society organises various events for members, including workings, open days and social events. Regular meetings are help throughout the year and all members are welcome to attend. The focal point of the year is the Annual Show, which includes the West of England In Hand and Harness Championships.

Dates for your diary:

2012 Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner:
The Annual General Meeting of the Wessex Heavy Horse Society will be held on Saturday 18th February at the Olive Bowl, Gillingham, starting at 7pm. It will be followed by the Annual Dinner, starting at 8pm. See the Newsletter for dinner menu and prices.

Spring Working 2012
The Society's annual Spring Working will be on April 22nd from 10am.

Annual Show 2012
The Wessex Heavy Horse Society Annual Heavy Horse Show will be on September 23rd at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Showground

Ploughing Match
The Annual Ploughing Match is scheduled for October 27th 2012.

Annual Ploughing Match 2011

The Wessex Heavy Horse Society's 5th Annual Ploughing Match will be on Saturday October 29th, by Springhead Gardens near Fontmell Magna (Off the A350).

Annual Show 2011

The Wessex Heavy Horse Show and West of England Championships 2011 was on the Gillingham and Shaftesbury (Turnpike) Showground on Sunday 25th September. The show had a new format, with the display arena used for the West of England Championships as well as featuring gun dogs, a musical drive, and many vintage vehicles. The weather was grey and a little drizzzly in the morning, but brightened up at lunchtime to give us a fine and sunny afternoon. There will be photographs.

5th Annual Ploughing Match

The 2011 Ploughing Match is planned for October 29th.

Annual General Meeting and Dinner 2011

The Annual General Meeting of the Wessex Heavy Horse Society was held on on 19th February 2011 at the Olive Bowl, and was followed by the annual Society Dinner.

The Wessex Heavy Horse Society would like to express its thanks to Wadworth for their continued sponsorship of the show. Their support is hugely appreciated.

Handler straightening the flights on a shire mare's mane



The Wessex Heavy Horse Society Limited
Company Number 6570434
Registered office:
For privacy reasons, address displayed in image format only. If you cannot view the image please use the online contact form instead.

Updated: 16th April 2011

The logo displayed on all pages is the logo of the Wessex Heavy Horse Society. All other images on this site are ©Kirstin Darke unless otherwise stated, and may not be copied, reproduced, modified or linked to without permission except as required for normal viewing of this website. Prints available on request.

Page designed by: The Jelly Worm Man