Hook Norton Brewery’s Balmoral Takes Top Honours at His First-Ever Ridden Show

Hook Norton Brewery is celebrating an outstanding achievement for one of its most distinguished working horses, Balmoral, after the Shire horse made a remarkable debut in the ridden show ring.

In his first ever novice ridden show, Balmoral impressed judges and spectators alike under the guidance of Hook Norton Brewery’s Head Coachman, Nicholas Carter, securing victory and announcing himself as a serious contender in the ridden Shire horse world.

The success was followed by an even greater achievement, with Balmoral going on to be awarded Overall Reserve Ridden Champion at the National Shire Horse Show — an exceptional result for a novice horse competing in ridden classes for the very first time.

Balmoral is part of the working horse team at Hook Norton Brewery, where Shire horses continue the brewery’s long-standing tradition of using these magnificent animals in its working operations. His success in the show ring highlights not only his quality and temperament, but also the training, dedication and partnership between horse and rider.

Nicholas Carter, Head Coachman at Hook Norton Brewery, said:

“Balmoral has been a pleasure to work with from the very beginning. To win his first novice ridden show was fantastic, but to then go on and achieve overall Reserve Ridden Champion at the National Shire Horse Show was something we could never have imagined. He has a wonderful temperament and is a credit to my team here.”

The achievement represents a proud moment for everyone at Hook Norton Brewery and celebrates the versatility of the Shire horse — not only as a traditional working breed, but also as a capable and impressive ridden show horse.

Balmoral’s success adds another chapter to the story of Hook Norton Brewery’s working horses and the people who care for, train and work alongside them every day

Find out more about the Shire Horse Team and where to see them out and about here

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