Shire Horse Experience Day

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Have A Go, Drayman for the day

An exciting new experience on offer at Hook Norton Brewery, offering the chance to join our award-winning Shire Horse team for the morning.

Two unique hands-on experiences have been created offering the opportunity to ‘have a go’ with our majestic heavy horses. Choose between hands on harnessing up, and working our horses on long reins or learning how to plait and show the heavy horse to show ring standard. Both experiences are designed as an introduction to these wonderful horses and offer a unique experience, not available at any other traditional brewery.

Hook Norton Brewery is extremely passionate about the role of our working Shire horses and remain committed to preserving their future. Our native heavy horse breeds are now deemed at 'serious risk' of extinction and so its imperative our team works to promote the breed and conserve the skills and traditions of these magnificent animals.

Under the watchful eye of our Head Coachman, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our three resident horses, Shire horses, Brigadier, Balmoral and Cromwell up close and personal before learning how to groom and prepare them for their working day ahead.

Hands on Harnessing

9am - Meet our Head Coachman and Groom, at the forefront of only one of three Breweries to still be using working heavy horses, before being introduced to our three resident Shire horses, delving into their history at the brewery and their important role in present day.

• Introduction to Heavy Horse harness, learn about its history, purpose and how to correctly fit it to the horse.
• Groom and prepare your horse ahead of his days work, learn to groom and pick out the feet of your allocated Shire.
• Put into practice your harnessing knowledge as you harness up and head off long reining under the knowledgeable eye of the Brewery’s Head Coachman.
• Have a go long reining, utilising the Coachman's aids, and understand the how and the why!
• Unharness and care for your horse after work before returning him to his stable for the afternoon.
• Debrief, questions and presentation of participants rosette!

Noon- Enjoy a well earned Drayman’s Dinner in our award winning Malthouse Kitchen.

Optional - Take advantage of a half price rate, and enjoy our 2pm Brewery tour, lasting 1 hour thirty, with a plentiful half hour tasting session.

Shire Horse Show Prep:

9am - Meet our Head Coachman and Groom, at the forefront of only one of three Breweries to still be using working heavy horses, before being introduced to our three resident Shire horses, delving into their history at the brewery and their important role in present day.

• Get acquainted with your allocated horse for the day, and begin prepping for your show, including washing and drying their iconic silky white feathers.
• An introduction to different types of plaits between the three heavy horse breeds, their purpose and the craft behind it.
• Hop aboard our plaiting platform and begin producing your show Shire.
• After completing his mane, head on round and learn to plait his tail in the traditional style.
• Walk and trot your way through a ‘stand show’ under the watchful eyes of our Head Coachman, your stand in judge for the day, who will talk you through what the judge is looking for, and how best to show off your horse.
• On completion, debrief, questions and presentation of your participant rosette.

Noon - Enjoy your well earned Drayman’s Dinner in our award winning Malthouse Kitchen.

Optional - Take advantage of a half price rate, and enjoy our 2pm Brewery tour, lasting 1 hour thirty, with a plentiful half hour tasting session.

Sessions last approximately three hours, running from 9am to midday and include a Drayman's dinner in our onsite Malthouse Kitchen. Experiences cost £150, which we ask £50 of to be made as a deposit upon booking.

For more information or enquiries please do not hesitate to email our Shire Horse team at: Shirehorse@hooky.co.uk

Please note sessions will go ahead irrespective of the weather - sensible clothing and footwear is advised.
Both experiences are available for 17 years of age onwards, and a basic level of fitness is required for both.
Have a go days are designed as a small introduction to the world of working heavy horses, and is by no means equated to a formal assessment or qualification.
Deposits are non-refundable unless the day is cancelled by HNB.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE DAY

Gift vouchers are now available, allowing your recipient to choose a suitable date and their preference for which experience to enjoy. Please email Shirehorse@hooky.co.uk for more details.

Bookings will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.