Annual Heavy Horse Show pulls in crowds
Dozens of giant Clydesdales, tiny Shetland ponies and hardy Highland ponies delighted visitors to the annual Heavy Horse Show recently.
Almost 1800 people attended the event at the Museum of Rural Life in Kittochside and enjoyed a host of countryside activities including the chance to meet, and even ride, some magnificent Clydesdales.
Around 100 tiny Shetland ponies participated in show classes.
Families were also able to see classes for Clydesdales including displays in harness, a class for two-wheeled carts and a ridden class, where the Museum’s own Clydesdale Anna and her rider, Mhairi McDougall won second place. There was an enthusiastic reception for Scottish stunt-riding specialists Riders of the Storm, who performed a series of thrilling displays on horseback.
Also popular was the event’s new Hobby Horse Arena, which saw around 200 children mount hobby horses and tackle a series of jumps and a water feature.
Many then headed off to take part in craft sessions to make their own mini hobby horses.
Other meet and greet sessions included the chance to meet a Shetland and a Welsh pony, some alpacas and the Museum’s older Clydesdale, Mairi.
Shirley Maciver, General Manager, National Museum of Rural Life, said: “We were delighted so many people were able to come along to enjoy this great event.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to see some of the largest and smallest members of the equine world and to get a taste for the attractions on offer at our Museum.”