Martin Clunes surprised patients at a Dorset hospice with a visit from his horse, Bruce.

The actor may be known for his Men Behaving Badly role, but the 18hh Clydesdale proved a perfect guest on his visit to Weldmar Hospicecare.

Martin, who is president of the British Horse Society, popped into the charity’s inpatient unit in Dorchester on Tuesday (26 October) with Bruce, who enjoyed meeting patients and staff – as well as enjoying a munch of grass on the lawn.

“He’s a good ambassador for his breed because he is so gentle,” the Doc Martin star told BBC Breakfast.

“They are great levellers. You could stand next to a horse and have a conversation with a queen, with a rag and bone man, with a jockey…”

He added: “What I like about Weldmar is their work and the people, and it’s no harm for me to do something like this and I knew people would like to see Brucie! Animals cheer people up.”

The pair were joined on the visit by Martin’s dog, Bob Jackson, who went inside to meet any patients who were not well enough to come out to see Bruce.

“I nearly didn’t come today because I wasn’t feeling well but I’m so glad I’ve come because it’s really pushed my day up!” said day services patient Corrine.

Jenny Wood, Weldmar’s day services lead, added: “It’s quite a sight to have Bruce out on the lawn. It’s so lovely to give people these experiences that are so unusual, and they can go and tell their families all about it. We’re really grateful to Martin for bringing him along.”

Weldmar Hospicecare is a charity that provides end-of-life care for people living in Dorset who need our specialist help, both at its hospice and in people’s homes.

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British Horse Society (BHS) president Martin Clunes found himself fighting for his place in front of the camera on Wednesday morning (8 February).

The Men Behaving Badly star was appearing on ITV’s Lorraine to speak about the charity’s new Changing Lives Through Horses programme.

However, the old TV rule of never work with animals rang true as the cheeky skewbald did all he could to put Martin off.

Despite having his pockets, hands and general person searched for treats, Martin managed to carry on with the interview unperturbed.

Even when Martin moved off to give viewers at home a tour of his Dorset yard, the horse managed to grab another moment in the limelight.

“Horses may occasionally bite you, but they will never lie to you!” Martin laughed as the skewbald vies for attention.

About the programme

Changing Lives Through Horses is aimed at tackling the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Nearly 10% of 16 to 18 year olds fall into this category, and one in four young people also struggles with low self-esteem, well-being and mental health problems.

The programme puts young people in an equestrian environment to give them a chance to find a sense of structure and responsibility.

“It is an attempt to scoop up kids that have fallen through the cracks — kids who are not necessarily excelling in normal schools, not engaging with education or employment and just to try and scoop them up and get them near a horse and see if that works for them,” Martin explains.

“We know that horses are great healers and they give people a lot of confidence — especially people with trust issues or who have been let down by people, horses never lie to you.”

He added he has seen the results in “all sorts of shapes and sizes”.

“[Horses] touch people’s hearts — I don’t know why that is, it is just a thing that happens,” said Martin.

“People shouldn’t think [being around a horse] is necessarily out of their grasp.”

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Clydesdale horses will thunder down Exeter racetrack on Sunday (22 November). The annual race was launched in 2013 and takes place on Devon Day at the west country track.

Six Clydesdale geldings will be partnered with professional jockeys for this year’s two-furlong race. H&H columnist Richard Johnson, Sam Twiston-Davies, Aidan Coleman, Nick Scholfield and Hadden Frost will be taking part.

The horses belong to Tim Ancrum and Aileen Ware of Adventure Clydesdales, which specialises in providing riding holidays across Dartmoor.

“I always get quite excited about it. It’s quite a sight, especially with National Hunt jockeys — they love it,” Tim told H&H.

“The race proves them to be a very good riding horse as well as a draught horse.

“Tom Parker has been the horse that has won the most races but Frankie Doodle and Collessie Reflection could give him a run for his money.”

Actor and British Horse Society president Martin Clunes has supported the race since it began.

“It’s really something to see them with their feathers flying,” he told H&H. “The jockeys look like tiny toys and all have smiles on their faces.

“The race is very popular and all sorts of people come to watch, including those who might not usually spend a day at the races.

“It would be so nice if they did at all the racecourses.”

Martin owns two Clydesdale geldings, Ronnie and Bruce. He bought the pair when they were six months old and they are now rising six.

“I’ve started dressage lessons with Bruce — I’ve agreed to do a display at Windsor for the British Horse Society,” he said.

“I’m also taking Ronnie on the Dartmoor Derby next year. They are so sure-footed and honest as the day is long.

“Tim is such a brilliant ambassador for the Clydesdale and is determined to prove their worth.”

The event raises funds for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT).

“We have the support of local bookmakers Dick Oliver, Dave Phillips and Jack Bevan who will all be running a book so that people can bet, with every single penny donated to DAAT,” said Daniel Thompson of Exeter racecourse.

Spectators will have the chance to loan a Clydesdale for the day and experience owning a “racehorse”.

For more information visitt: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

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Fans at Exeter were treated to three different types of racing on Sunday (23 November), as not only were the traditional thoroughbreds running, but Dartmoor hill ponies and Clydesdales also took to the track.

More than 3,000 racegoers turned out to see the three varieties of equine take up the challenge on “Devon Day” at the racecourse.

Last year’s Clydesdale race was such a success that Exeter decided to bring back the heavy horses for a second race this year. And fans were not disappointed.

It was a race that closely echoed last year — with Tom Parker once again passing the post in front, this time with conditional jockey Keiron Edgar on board.

“It was really good fun,” said Keiron. “We were slowly away but he got into his stride and he won easily in the end.”

The other jockeys who climbed into the larger than usual saddles, included H&H blogger Nick Scholfield, Daryl Jacob, Aidan Coleman, James Best, Alice Mills and Lucy Gardner.

TV star Martin Clunes, who is a supporter of heavy horses, said it was “a very exciting race”.

“More racecourses should do this as it is great fun and really highlights the breed,” he added.

The Clydesdales are all owned by Tim Ancrum of Adventure Clydesdales.

Tim said the horses enjoyed their day out.

“It’s just wonderful to bring the boys here and let everyone see them,” he said.

“They are so versatile, steady and they keep on going. There was a wonderful crowd here to see them today and the cheering was incredible.”

And from large to little, six Dartmoor hill ponies went to post for the 6f race (pictured below), and it was Frolic who won with owner Rachael Watson.

“My plan was to stay close in the race and keep something in the tank for the finish,” said 20-year-old Rachael who farms with her parents near Poundsgate.

The ponies were part of the Hill Pony Display Team which showcases at events and and fairs.

Charlotte Faulker of the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association said: “This is the first time we’ve done this and they were brilliant. I am so proud of them all, and their riders who were all very excited about taking part in a race at Exeter racecourse.”

More than £1,500 was raised for the Devon Air Ambulance on the day.

Don’t miss Nick Scholfield’s blog later this week to hear how he enjoyed his heavy horse experience.

Photographs courtesy of Malcolm Snelgrove

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Horse-loving actor Martin Clunes marked the start of his tenure as patron of the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy (FCRT) by taking part in a vaulting session and demo lesson with William Fox-Pitt last week (27 February).

The pair joined FCRT students for the vaulting session, giving them an insight into the work of the centre in helping develop people’s independence and life skills through riding.

The new patron said that his nerves concerning his new role were “quickly dispelled by the enthusiasm of the students”.

“I had my first experience of a vaulting session, guided with great confidence by the young people who use this technique as a core tool in their learning through horses,” Martin told H&H. “It’s really addictive and I’m looking forward to my next go — it seems there is always a next level of attainment to keep you hooked.”

Retiring patron Lady Howard de Walden stepped down after 19 years in the role and was thanked with a special cake, iced with the FCRT logo.

“I am really proud to be patron,” Martin added. “I promise to do the job to the best of my ability.”

The FCRT open day will be held on 19 June.

Don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H – guest edited by William Fox-Pitt, out Thursday 6 March. 

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Actor and horse lover Martin Clunes is to star in a new programme, Heavy Horsepower tonight (Thursday 7 February).

The one-off show is on ITV at 9pm and features Martin learning about working horses.

Martin will be focusing on the important role of heavy horses in Britain, as well as travelling to Europe and America. He travels to a working vineyard in Italy, “horse fisherman” shrimping in Belgium and meets the famous Budweiser Clydesdales in New Orleans.

He also starts training his own Clydesdales — Ronnie and Bruce — to work on his Dorset farm. He’s had the pair for two years and describes them as “lovable but uncontrollable teenagers”.

“If you’d said ten years ago that I would be driving a seven and a half ton truck with my own two young Clydesdales taking them to hoof camp I’d have laughed in your face. But it is a reality and it’s very exciting,” said Martin.

“People say I must get my horses working. Now they are at an age where they need development. They are getting a bit bored.”

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TV star and horseman Martin Clunes is to be the next president of the British Horse Society (BHS).

Martin speaking at BETA yesterday said he was “thrilled, baffled and overwhelmed” by the appointment but that he was “really looking forward” to taking up the challenge.

He will take on the role when current president, Desi Dillingham, steps down on 1 June.

Famous for his appearances in Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin, his documentary series Horsepower last year introduced him to the equestrian public.

He keeps 12 horses and his wife Philippa and daughter Emily also ride.

“Goodness knows how I am expected to follow Desi,” he said. “‘Larger than life’ is a cliché but it is well-known that, when she left her native Canada, the country teetered on the brink for some time. In fact, I think it still teeters occasionally, mostly at weekends and on public holidays, when it recollects the talent it so carelessly allowed to escape to the UK.

“It is an enormous honour. I have so much to learn and with the Society changing so much in recent years I hope that we can grow together, capitalising on the vitality, enthusiasm and passion of its membership.

“Animal welfare is a passion of mine and I am really looking forward to working with the BHS and all its members to retain the momentum for liveliness and continuous improvement.

“If, when I become president, I can help the Society alleviate the suffering of a single horse whose trust has been betrayed by humans, then I will have done some good. If tens of thousands of people join me, that good will be magnified.

“Above all, I hope I can help spread something of the joy, which comes from associating with horses to those, especially the young, who otherwise would never make their acquaintance.”

BHS chairman, Dr Phil Wadey, said: “I realised, from the moment I met Martin at the Royal International Horse Show last July, that he was the best ambassador the horse world didn’t yet have. I was delighted when he agreed to become our next president.”

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Beautician Michelle Murray is getting a taste of what it is like to be a celebrity.

The 24-year-old from South Lanarkshire is becoming used to being stopped in the street and at horse shows by people wanting to know how her filly, Callie, is faring after being seen having an operation on the Martin Clunes documentary, Horsepower.

Scottish sports horse Cally was just six months old when she was filmed last November having a plate removed that had been inserted three months earlier to help heal a fractured elbow.

The documentary was shown on ITV 1 at the end of August and since then well-wishers have been wanting to know how she is faring.

Michelle said: “I’ve had lots of interest from ‘horsey’ people who watched the show. She is doing just fine. You would not be able to tell there had ever been a fracture.”

The TV crew spent a whole day with Michelle, Callie and the foal’s mother, 15-year-old Amber. Clunes even went into the surgery to watch the operation taking place.

“Martin Clunes was a really genuine, nice guy, natural and comfortable handling the horses,” said Michelle.

And the equine stars? “They were fantastic,” added Michelle, “and not star-struck at all, with all the cameras and everything.”

Visit our online gallery to see photos from the Horsepower series.

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Actor Martin Clunes says filming his new series Horsepower has changed the way he looks at horses.

The series, which started on ITV1 last Sunday (22 August) explores the human relationship with horses.

Throughout the series Martin travels from Mongolia to Arabia, visiting wild mustangs in Nevada and watching a rodeo in Las Vegas.

He rides with cowboys and does battle in a suit of armour as well as going horse racing in Dubai and watching the famous Palio horse race in Italy.

“I wanted to find out how this animal became so important to us. How did we manage to tame such a huge, fearful prey animal and make it both our servant and our friend,” says Martin.

Martin is passionate about horses, and keeps 12 of them at home on his farm in Dorset. He also has a racehorse called Buffalo Stampede.

“Making this documentary has definitely increased my horse sensitivity, not to mention improving my riding,” he said.

“It has been an incredible journey. It has changed the way I look at horses, and change the way I ride my horse Chester, it has changed all sorts of things.”

Watch the second and final part of the series at 9pm on ITV1 on Sunday.

Visit our online gallery to see photos from the series.

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Actor Martin Clunes has become the new president of Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

Martin Clunes, most famous for his role in the comedy Men Behaving Badly, has enjoyed riding since he was a child and currently keeps 6 horses at his Dorset farm.

“I’m thrilled to be honoured with the presidency of the Royal International Horse Show,” said Martin, “and I am looking forward enormously to going to Hickstead this year.”

Married to television producer Philippa Braithwaite, Martin’s passion for equines also led him to host a new ITV documentary series about man’s relationship with horses.

“I wanted to find out how this animal became so important to us,” explained Clunes. “How did we manage to tame such a huge, fearful prey animal and make it both our servant and our friend?”

Called Horsepower, the series will follow Clunes on a journey across the world during which he will play snow polo in Colorado, enjoy a lavish racing event in Dubai and watch the Palio horse race in Italy.

An ITV spokesman told H&H that Horsepower is likely to be aired later this year.

The Longines Royal International Horse Show takes from 28 July to 1 August at Hickstead. For more information visit www.hickstead.co.uk.

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Glamour girl Katie Price and actor Martin Clunes have become the first members of the new British Eventing Gold Medal Club.

The new Gold Medal Club, launched last Thursday (29 January), aims to boost the popularity of the sport and reach out to a wider audience.

It will offer exclusive behind-the-scenes-tours to top event yards, training tips and course walks with international riders — starting with a visit to West Sussex to see Tina Cook.

The money raised from membership will be used to help the future of the sport as well as supporting current British Eventing teams.

A spokesman from British Eventing told H&H: “It’s an all encompassing club — aimed at the die-hard fans as well as the people who perhaps only go to a couple of events a year.

“The money will go towards the running of the sport, the organising of events and training. The more money raised the more it can benefit the sport — from the 80cm classes to advanced and Olympic level.”

Katie Price said: “I think it’s great that British Eventing are raising awareness for equestrianism in the run up to the Olympics.”

And Martin Clunes added: “My family all adore horses and I must admit they have also grown on me! When we are all together, riding and horses are central to our lives and we love watching the thrills of eventing, so I am delighted to support the Gold Medal Club.”