National Shire Horse Show returns to Staffordshire Showground

The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses is making its presence felt this March as the iconic National Shire Horse Show returns to Staffordshire Showground.

Following interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event found temporary refuge at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire. However, the show now returns to its indoor venue at Staffordshire Showground for three days of fun-filled action from March 8th to March 10th, 2024. Further helping promote the anticipated return of such a prestigious event, Shire horses gathered at the Stone Farmers’ Market on March 2nd.

The National Shire Horse Show will provide a unique opportunity to mingle with these gentle giants of the equine world, who will serve as ambassadors for the prestigious event.

Victoria Clayton, CEO of the Shire Horse Society, said: “The National Shire Horse Show is our biggest annual event. It’s the opportunity for Shire horse owners to showcase the breed and for members of the public to find out more about these beautiful animals. Fewer than 300 new Shire horse foals are registered every year, and the breed is still on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s endangered breed list, despite seeing a resurgence in popularity in recent years. So it’s so important that we continue work to promote and preserve Shire horses.

“We’re very pleased to be returning to Staffordshire Showground this year and look forward to seeing lots of visitors from Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands.”

Among the distinguished guests who graced the Stone Farmers’ Market on March 2nd was Mordearg Pendragon, an 11-year-old grey gelding proudly hailing from Staffordshire.

The eagerly awaited return of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses to the Staffordshire Showground in March 2024 marks a momentous occasion, particularly after a hiatus of five years.

This year’s edition promises a bigger and brighter programme, with 12 new classes added to the ring timetable, offering spectators even more opportunities to witness these gentle giants in all their glory.

On Saturday 9^th March the Hook Norton Brewery dray and Shires Brigadier and Balmoral will be at Stafford Farmers’ Market between 9am and 11am with Councillor Andy Cooper greeting them at 10.30am.

Of particular note are the additional classes designed to encourage young riders and handlers, aimed at nurturing the next generation of Shire horse enthusiasts. Additionally, spectators can look forward to enhanced turnout classes, adding to the visual spectacle of the event.

Tickets for the National Shire Horse Show are discounted in advance via the Shire Horse Society’s website. Adult tickets are £13 in advance (£17 on the gate), child tickets are £10 for Friday and Saturday (£12 on the gate) with children free on Sunday 10^th March when accompanied by an adult. Family tickets (two adults and two children on Friday or Saturday) are £38 in advance (£45 on the gate). There are also motorhome, campervan, and caravan camping opportunities available.