How can you harness eight horses together and make sure they all pull their weight? Easy with a McKinnen-style rope evener; Robert Sampson and fellow horseman Andy Musgrove have spent many hours and sleepless nights perfecting this system to suit their horse activities. The system uses only one set of whipple trees with a system of home-made pulleys and rope purchased from a local chandler. The advantage of this system is that every horse has to work to the same extent as his companions; by doing away with the second set of swingle trees, the horses are closer together so there is also more control of the front horses. Robert spent the morning a-top his three-furrow plough like an admiral on a great ship's bridge surveying his fleet.

Close up of rope eveners

The highlight for me (and I believe several others) at the Working happened after lunch when the horse owners put a team of twelve Percherons together, three teams of four abreast. The sight of all twelve horses leaning into their collars with the wind in their manes was a vision to cherish and will linger in my mind for some time to come.

Another innovation on show was the modern Hitch Troll; this unique vehicle combines the versatility of a robust hitch cart with a full trolley/road vehicle and is the modern hermaphrodite. This vehicle doubles as a hitch cart with a turntable lock and can be used with pole or shafts. The trolley can be connected to the hitch cart and has drum brakes on both axles. It can be supplied with a tipping bed if required and is a must on a modern small holding.

An exercise sledge was also on show from the same stable, ideal for training horses, and comes complete with a hitch pin on the rear to enable harrows, etc., to be pulled.

The Ardennes were supplied by Jo Hewitt, Secretary of the British Ardennes Society. The two horses were hitched to a cross-country trails vehicle with adjustable American collars and hames complete with webbing harness.

I noticed several sets of this harness throughout the day; these collars have the advantage of being adjustable and, of course, the webbing can be easily washed and kept clean with no polishing. At the grand parade I noticed Jim Beck with his young pair of horses exhibiting a recently acquired land-to-sea rescue vehicle, giving the public a chance to see yet another unique vehicle.

John Medhurst flew the flag for Fullers Brewery, great supporters of the Shire horse, by giving rides throughout the day with a people carrier, which helped to boost the Association's funds.

As always the Southern Counties provided a wonderful display of equine activities, balancing old and new, traditional and modern, in a fine display of horsemanship. I could not end this report without mentioning John Lovatt who kept the ring events moving throughout the whole day in his own inimitable way. Long may it continue!

Robert Sampson Like an Admiral on a great ships bridge looking over his fleet

Photos © Tony Baker

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