The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is “renewing its warning” about the future of the Hackney horse and pony, after just 31 registered foals were born last year.

The 2022/23 RBST watchlist published this month features seven breeds in the “priority” category; Hackneys, Cleveland Bays, Dales, Dartmoors, Exmoors and Eriskays. Clydesdales, Fells, Highlands, New Forests and Shires have been classed as “at risk”. Shetlands and Welsh ponies and cobs appear in the “UK native breeds” category, and Connemaras and Irish Draughts are listed in the “Irish breeds in the UK” category. The categories are based on population size, taking into account numbers of males and females and the degree of inbreeding. All the breeds remain in the same category as the 2021/22 watchlist.

The RBST reported that while the numbers of Eriskays, Suffolks and Cleveland Bays remains low, the “stability in the breeds’ data in 2021 is positive”. But there are “extreme concerns” around Hackneys.

“The Hackney breed, which already had very low numbers, has seen further decline over the past year with just 31 females producing registered progeny from only 12 breeders. This compares with more than 300 breeding females registered in 2011,” said an RBST spokesman, adding that the organisation is urging more people to support the breed’s modern uses.

Mark Hardy, chairman of the Hackney Horse Society, told H&H the pandemic and increase in the cost of living had caused issues for breeders, and they are also limited in choices as there are so few of them.

“After the Second World War, there was a big revival of Hackneys and at the time there were lots of breeders and trainers. But as time has gone on, many have passed away or moved on to other things,” he said.

“As an organisation, we are really trying to promote the breed and show how versatile it is and hopefully we will see more people using them in other disciplines and create more demand. People usually associate Hackneys with driving and showing, but they’re also very good all-rounders.”

According to the RBST, the number of Shire foals registered last year was 228, down from 250 in 2020. The number of overall New Forest breeders registering progeny has declined – as has the number of dams, which the RBST classifies as mares who have had at least one foal, but the breed still has the greatest number of dams of all the rare equine breeds. Though Dartmoors and Exmoors remain on the priority list for 2022/23, there has been an “important increase” in the number of dams, which is “crucial” for managing inbreeding in breeds with low numbers.

“The Exmoor data is the highest recorded since 2017, with the number of dams up 37% on 2020 and Dartmoors have also made significant progress with the number of breeders registering progeny at its highest since 2011, and the number of dams up 46% on 2020,” RBST senior conversation adviser Tom Blunt told H&H.

“Both breeds have also seen an improvement in effective population size which indicates successful management of inbreeding.”

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A barn conversion with an equestrian set-up and a swimming pool, located in prime Suffolk hunt country, has come up for sale.

Situated in Little Henny on the Essex/Suffolk border, the property is nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Stour Valley, immediately to the south of Sudbury.

Despite being within a daily commute of London, the rural position offers access onto various bridleways and country lanes. Hacking is also available on the riverside tracks in the valley along the River Stour.

Agents The Zoe Napier Group have pitted Lodge Farm — which is in the heart of scenic East Essex Hunt country — as the ideal base for the hunting fan: “located between The Colne & Stour Valleys, The East Essex Hunt have some stunning country, mainly ditches (sometimes big ditches), plough and grassland with much jumping. There are four or five meets within hacking distance, with some of the best exercise routes and bridleways in the region.”

Local equestrian centres include: Topthorn Arena (29 miles); Bardwell Manor (26 miles) and Barrow Hall Stables (29 miles).

If you fancy doing some cross-country schooling, head over to the fabulous course set in 150 acres at Boundary Farm (30 miles).

Showing societies you should sign up to include: BSPS Area 16 and NPS Area 15.

Offered for sale by The Zoe Napier Group, the property is priced at £1,230,000.

Let’s saddle up and go for a look around…

Set in just over 13 acres, the land at Lodge Farm is currently split into seven post and rail paddocks. Two of the fields have shelters and there is also a high-fenced stallion pen.

The farm-style equestrian facilities include three interlinking but separate yard areas. In total there are 13 stables of varying size, ranging from smaller stables to larger stallion boxes.

As well as a horse walker, a wash bay and various other outbuildings — including a groom’s rest room and a pole barn — there is a 20x60m outdoor arena…

The main house is a five-bedroom barn conversion with features including exposed timbers.

Ground floor reception rooms include a sitting room with wood burning stove, a dining room and a drawing/garden room with sealed brick flooring.

The farmhouse kitchen has an AGA and a central island.

On the first level, there are five double size bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cloakroom/w.c.

The property is situated behind its own woodland and the gardens include a central lawn and terrace. A separate swimming pool area has stoned and decked terraces with a summer house.

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Prepare to be captivated by this gorgeous Suffolk-based set up, offering a Victorian farmhouse as well as stables and an outdoor arena.

Moat Farm, nestled in a tranquil location in Willingham St Mary, boasts nothing but big skies and open fields as far as the eye can see. Situated three miles from the town of Beccles, the Suffolk coast is close by, with the the traditional seaside resort of Southwold being just 20 minutes away.

The agents’ summary reads: “Whether you’re a lover of the countryside, a keen equestrian, on the lookout for a holiday home with a plethora of activities in the vicinity, or you’re simply searching for your forever family home, this property has all you need and more besides.”

Equestrian centres in area include Topthorn Arena (32 miles) and Poplar Park (33 miles), while you can train across country at either Boundary Farm or Ickworth Cross-country course.

If you want a range of annual fixtures to get your teeth into, get signed up to Suffolk Riding Club and it’s the Suffolk Hunt if you like to head out following hounds.

Offered for sale by Fine & Country, the home is a bit of a steal and has recently been advertised at a price of £850,000.

The owners are retired farmers and keen equestrians, so the 3.2 acres land was a big part of the initial appeal.

The grounds include a sizeable indoor yard of loose boxes and storage space…

… as well as a horse walker.

There is a secure 20x40m outdoor arena which has been surfaced with a sand and rubber mix.

The ground is of great quality, with paddocks and gardens totalling 3.2 acres.

Prepare to be impressed by the four-bedroom Victoria farmhouse. The home dates back to 1872 and was built for a member of a well- known local landowning family.

The dreamy kitchen is a spot where you can easily picture yourself sharing leisurely weekend brunches with friends and family.

The home has definitely been designed with a classic country style in mind.

Take a look at two of the bedrooms, which are settled on the first floor…

Outside, there are a range of outbuildings, including a Grade II listed barn, double garage, two single garages and an additional five bay cart lodge.

When can we move in?

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Efforts to save the Suffolk horse from extinction have taken an international turn as genetics from a popular rare breed stallion are sent in New Zealand.

Frozen semen from Suffolk stallion Craikhow Hall Jensen is in the process of being imported to New Zealand.

Breeding specialists EquiBreed NZ revealed the news yesterday (10 August).

“We are thrilled to announced this semen is also for sale and should be with us early in the breeding season,” a company spokesman said on social media.

“As well as boosting the [Suffolk horse] gene pool in NZ, we think he would make a fabulous cross with other heavy horse breeds, or over thoroughbreds etc perhaps to breed hunting types.”

The spokesman added that the company has been working with “a dedicated group of rare breed enthusiasts”, including the Suffolk Horse Society, Stallion AI Services, the Thorpley Irish Draught and Rare Breed Stud and the Clydesdale Horse Society of New Zealand.

Craikhow Hall Jensen, owned by Bruce Langley McKim, hit the headlines on his hunting debut with the Fernie last winter.

The nine-year-old chestnut has also been helping to preserve the breed in the UK — as well as standing at Thorpeley Stud, he has also spent time at Stallion AI Services so his semen can be collected and preserved.

This is part of a joint venture between the horses’ owners, the stallion centre, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and the Suffolk Horse Society.

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Tullis Matson, managing director of Stallion AI Services and RBST trustee, told H&H the move to export Suffolk horse genetics to New Zealand is “really exciting”.

“There are only 72 breeding females left in the country and only 300 in the world,” he said, adding that he hopes to export semen to the US and Australia in the near future.

“I was at a Livestock Conservancy meeting in America recently [where it was discussed that] one of the only ways we can try to protect the Suffolk horse is to spread their genetic pool around the world.”

He added while there are “a lot of hoops to jump through”, Stallion AI Services is experienced in exporting semen across the world and understands the import, export and biosecurity measures that go with shipping semen internationally.

The RBST has also welcomed the news.

“We are very pleased to hear that Craikhow Hall Jensen will be helping to increase genepool diversity within the registered Suffolk horse population in New Zealand,” RBST field officer Richard Broad told H&H.

The Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand added this is “one more wonderful step” towards reviving the Suffolk horse in New Zealand.

“Thank you to Lee of Equibreed NZ Ltd, not only for arranging these straws of the most amazing stallion, but for her belief in the [Suffolk horse’s] place in NZ.”

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New foals are always special but none is more so than Kelsale June, a Suffolk filly born in Saxmundham in May.

Owners Jackey and Trevor Phillips lost their first foal born last year under their prefix at just three weeks old.

Kelsale May had a heart problem, which worsened as she grew causing much heartache for her owners when she died.

Her mother, Withersfield Daisy, is fit and well and currently at stud and hoped to have a foal next year.

The latest arrival is the first foal for the couple’s other mare Colony Zeta but she has taken to motherhood straight away.

Zeta proved a natural mother, giving birth on her own by the time the vet arrived.

The pretty filly has been named Kelsale June after Trevor’s mother, not the month she was born.

She was up and suckling quickly and is growing fast.

A forward lady, friendly and confidant she has been nicknamed Sunny “because she’s such a ray of sunshine”.

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Her sire is the stately Shotleyfield Dazzling Duke, who has been a dominant force in the stallion showing classes recently.

The Phillips have decided to keep June and hopefully breed from her in future to help safeguard Suffolk horse numbers.

According to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) last year there were just 15 filly foals registered and only 10 colts.

The rare Suffolk horse is registered as critical with the RBST with only 80 registered breeding mares.

Beth Fernley, RBST press officer described June’s arrival “as brilliant news.”

“We at the Rare Breeds Survival Trust are over the moon to hear of the arrival of Kelsale June. Last year on our Danger List of rare breed farm animals and equines we recorded that only 15 Suffolk filly foals were registered. We wish her and her owners Jackey and Trevor every good wish,” she said.

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 28 June 2018, don’t miss our full report from the Hickstead Derby meeting, including all the showjumping and showing action, plus don’t miss our six-page report from Royal Ascot.

We also have a feature on the much discussed whip rules across the disciplines and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we find out how to spot the signs of sand colic.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Three Suffolk stallions are visiting a pioneering breeding centre after a successful campaign to save Britain’s heavy horses reached £25,000.

The trio is made up of Whatton Albert, owned and bred by Whatton Manor Stud, Craikhow Hall Jensen, owned by Bruce Langley McKim of Thropeley Stud, and Thornfield Pendragon.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) launched a campaign in November 2017 to save Britain’s heavy horses.

Suffolk horses are on the RBST’s critical list of endangered breeds, meaning they are at risk of extinction within the next 10 years.

There are now fewer than 300 Suffolk horses left in the UK, with the number of breeding females dropping from 1,334 in 1947 to 73 in 2017.

The trust has so far raised more than £25,000 through its appeal, which is being put towards the collection and storage of semen from Suffolk, Clydesdale and Shire horses.

Tullis Matson and the team at Stallion AI Services in Shropshire are using the latest technological and scientific advances to preserve these breeds’ gene pools.

“At Stallion AI Services, we work tirelessly to ensure that our semen collection and freezing processes yield the best possible outcome in terms of semen fertility and quality,” explained Tullis.

“This allows us to store vital genetic material for years to come and will enable future breeders to maintain the diversity of breeds whose numbers have become critically low.

“We are now able to do much more and offer solutions to the very real problems faced by conventional AI technologies in addressing issues such as dwindling numbers of breeding females.”

He added there were half as many fillies born as there were colts between 2014 and 2016.

“Thanks to advances in science and technology developed in collaboration between us and some of the world’s most renowned experts, we are developing processes that will — for the first time in the history of equine reproduction — allow us to sex live semen,” said Tullis.

“With greater ability comes greater responsibility. We are serious about using our technological and scientific advances as a force for good.

“By addressing the issue of producing the numbers of breeding females essential to the survival of breeds like the Suffolk, we are closing the circle on reproduction and preservation and in order to save these lovely horses for future generations.”

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The Suffolk Horse Society now has 20 licensed stallions on its register.

The RBST, Stallion AI Services, Suffolk Horse Society and Twemlows Hall Stud have been working in partnership to make best use of mares and AI technologies to boost the breed’s numbers.

In 2017, 47 mares were covered with 16 stallions and by the end of the season, 27 had been scanned and confirmed in foal.

RBST’s chairman of trustees Gail Sprake added the charity started to collect semen from stallions of endangered breeds in 2002.

“So far, we have collected or been gifted over 4,000 doses of semen from 72 stallions of 14 breeds,” she said.

“Between 1900 and 1973, the United Kingdom lost 26 of its native breeds.

“We are extremely proud that since our foundation in 1973, and thanks to a lot of hard work and the generosity of our supporters, not one of the breeds on our watch list has become extinct.

“This is not a time for complacency, but certainly for optimism, as modern technology and heritage work hand in hand to preserve the animals that form such a central part of our national history.”

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A special staircase suitable for horses has been built to open up a bridleway that had become unusable.

The bridleway runs along Little Ouse Path in the heart of the Brecks on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, near Santon Downham and Brandon.

Norfolk County Council collaborated with the British Horse Society (BHS) to make the former towpath suitable for riders.

“The formerly muddy path was sadly steadily slipping into the river and due to the steep concrete steps (pictured, above) was completely inaccessible as a bridle route,” said Martin Wilby, chairman of Norfolk County Council’s environment, development and transport committee.

“This is the first time I’ve seen horse steps and they are certainly impressive and a very simple and logical solution to making this beautiful section of bridleway usable in the future.”

The council also levelled and resurfaced a 550m section of the path to help stabilise the popular route, which had become narrow, slippery and uneven.

Contractors used gabion baskets filled with rocks and stones — a method often used in coastal areas to prevent erosion and collapse.

The creation of the steps cost £22,000 and the resurfacing came to £40,000, which was paid for though the Heritage Lottery Fund and section 106 money as part of a local landscape conservation scheme.

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Mark Weston, BHS director of access, said it is “fantastic” the steps have opened to allow riders safe access to the bridleway.

“We campaign to protect and extend safe off-road routes for riders, and it’s fantastic to work in collaboration with Norfolk County Council to ensure riders can continue to enjoy this bridleway,” he added.

The work was all carried out without disturbing the wildlife habitats near the river, as the route runs through the heart of a site of special scientific interest and special protection area.

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Set up camp in one of these equestrian havens in East Anglia, from a Grade II-listed barn to an eight-bedroom Georgian house

1. Ringshall Hall Farm, near Stowmarket

For you: a six-bedroom Grade II-listed barn conversion in a rural setting off a country lane with far-reaching views. The gardens include a terrace to the rear, a woodland area and a pond.

For the horses: a range of traditional outbuildings including a detached stable building with two boxes, a tack room and a feed store. Set in 10.31 acres. An extensive range of former piggeries, other outbuildings and land are available as separate lots.

What’s the damage? £950,000

Agent: Savills

Telephone: 01473 234800

Visit: savills.com

2. Valley Farmhouse, near Southwold

For you: a Grade II-listed Suffolk farmhouse within easy reach of the coast, which has been run as a B&B business, with two additional glamping holiday businesses within the grounds. There are five bedrooms in the main house, plus a one-bedroom courtyard flat.

For the horses: a traditional barn with a tack room, feed room and three Loddon looseboxes. There are multiple outbuildings and storage units, and an all- weather arena. Set in four acres.

What’s the damage? £1.2m

Agent: ECR Properties

Telephone: 01449 711727

Visit:ecrproperties.com

3. Fairfield Farm, near Beccles

For you: a farmhouse with two established holiday cottages, set in a peaceful rural location close to the coast. There are four bedrooms in the main house and planning consent for an extension. Outside are pretty gardens and a summer house.

For the horses: the paddock land totals 7.62 acres and is divided into two blocks. There are multiple field shelters and hay stores, as well as a timber building with a concrete floor which is currently used as a workshop/store.

What’s the damage? £995,000

Agent: Durrants

Telephone: 01502 712122

Visit: durrants.com

Continued below…

Beautiful equestrian properties on Burghley’s doorstep

Been hooked on the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials action this weekend? Here's our pick of properties within easy reach

4. Peacock Hall, near Sudbury

For you: a seven-to-eight- bedroom Georgian house with a one-bedroom flat and two cottages. A gravel drive leads to a parking sweep in front of the house. There is a swimming pool and pool house, office, walled garden and garage.

For the horses: stables, a range of open bay cart lodges, a large timber-framed barn and a piggery. Set in 71.5 acres.

What’s the damage? £3.5m

Agent: Savills

Telephone: 01473 234800

Visit: savills.com

Next week: Equestrian properties near Blenheim Horse Trials

Ref: Horse & Hound; 7 September 2017

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If you’re hoping to set up home in East Anglia, take a look at these equestrian properties for sale in Suffolk.

1. Weirstock Farm, Suffolk/Essex border

For you: a Regency-style farmhouse with up to seven bedrooms, an AGA, outside office, heated swimming pool and landscaped gardens in the Colne Valley region.

For the horses: nine stables, a 30x50m arena with an irrigation system, covered horse walker and a solarium. Set in 12 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.595m

Agent: Zoe Napier Country & Equestrian

Telephone number: 01621 840333

Visit: www.inthecountryside.com

2. Thurston, Suffolk

For you: a six-bedroom house near Bury St Edmunds, with a sweeping drive and formal gardens, including a walled kitchen garden. There is also a Grade II listed two-bedroom lodge and a gardener’s cottage that could offer extra accommodation subject to planning consent.

For the horses: the coach house has two loose boxes and a tack room/hay store. Set in 7.2 acres.

What’s the damage? £2m

Agent: Fine & Country

Telephone number: 01284 718822

Visit: www.fineandcountry.com

3. Church Farm House, Suffolk

For you: a five-bedroom farmhouse, believed to date from the 16th century, with undulating views over the Fynn Valley. There is a two-bay cart lodge and storeroom, established gardens, terrace, pond and a walled swimming pool.

For the horses: a timber-framed barn with four loose boxes and feed and tack rooms. There are a further four steel-framed barns with some additional stabling. Set in 18.5 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.25m

Agent: Savills

Telephone number: 01473 234800

Visit: www.savills.com

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4. Kettleburgh Hall, Suffolk

For you: a Grade II listed historic hall overlooking the Deben Valley with seven bedrooms, an extensive range of outbuildings and formal part-walled gardens.

For the horses: the oak-lined driveway sweeps into an extensive courtyard, with a multipurpose barn beyond, which would be ideal for American-style stabling. Set in 11 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.85m

Agent: Jackson-Stops & Staff

Telephone number: 01473 218218

Visit: www.jackson-stops.co.uk

Next week: Equestrian properties to rent

Ref: Horse & Hound; 30 June 2016

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The only Suffolk horse breeder in Essex is fighting plans to build floodlit football pitches next to her farm, claiming that the plans could affect the future of the rare breed.

Sue Wager has been breeding Suffolks at Selcote Hall in Heybridge for 30 years.

But now a local football club, Heybridge Swifts, has sold its site to developers, Bloor Homes, which plans to build 105 houses on the site. However, to do this the football pitches need to be moved.

The Suffolk Horse is on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s critically endangered category one list. There are only 400 horses registered, and about 25 foals born every year.

Ms Wager provides stud and foaling services to Suffolk horse owners, and is one of a handful of breeders with the facilities to take in and stand stallions for members.

“If I have to give up it will have drastic consequences for the future of the breed,” she told H&H.

A 12-acre field owned by a local farmer is believed to have been bought by the developers, and plans are being drawn up to build three football pitches, including one with floodlights and a function room, on the new site next to Selcote Hall.

Plans were presented to the residents in Heybridge at a public consultation last month (24 March).

“We will be submitting a planning application to the local authority after the public exhibition and will be taking on board local residents’ comments prior to submitting the application,” said Oliver Hurlock of Bloor Homes.

Villagers are campaigning to stop the move, arguing that it will increase traffic and noise.

“We don’t consider a football pitch is part of the countryside. It will have a major knock-on effect on the village,” said resident Shelley Macdonald.

Ms Wager, who is a council member of the Suffolk Horse Society, said she could be forced to move if the football club borders her land.

“A mare needs peace and quiet to foal, not hundreds of football supporters next door,” she told H&H.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 2 April 2015

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Several events have fallen victim to the latest bout of unseasonal weather, including the Suffolk Show, elements of Bramham International Horse Trials and showjumping classes at South of England.

Organisers of Bramham decided to cancel the Burghley Young Event Horse class and the stallion parade this morning, but say they are doing “everything humanly possible” to keep the main competitions running.

“The course going is still pretty good,” said a statement on Bramham’s website. “The forecasters are telling us that the weekend is looking much better so if we can get through today we’re in for a good competition.”

The West Yorkshire horse trials are the last chance for Olympic hopefuls to catch the selectors’ eye, as the London 2012 squad is due to be announced next week.

In Suffolk, winds gusting up to force nine forced the cancellation of the 181st the Suffolk Show, near Ipswich, on health and safety grounds.

Show director, David Nunn, said: “If a marquee goes over and kills somebody then it’s just not worth it.”

He added it was “probably the most difficult decision” he had ever had to make. It means several Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers have been lost. HOYS tweeted they were “very sad” to hear that another show had been lost due to “high winds and public safety concerns”.

All showjumping classes have been cancelled at the South of England Show at Ardingly, because the high winds were blowing jumps over.

And eventing at Great Tew and West Wilts has been abandoned, as has Saturday’s competition at Llanymynech. A further inspection will be taken on Saturday regarding Sunday’s classes.

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A Suffolk horse has been returned to his birthplace – with help from the RSPCA and Redwings – after a stud farm admitted they could not cope with looking after him.

The struggling stud signed 18hh gelding Saxon over to the RSPCA after caring for him became too much and his health began to suffer as a result.

The RSPCA traced his breeding back to the Somerleyton Estate, near Lowestoft, Suffolk, and contacted the stud.

They said they would be happy to have him back and 17-year-old Saxon, who left his birthplace as a two-year-old, will now be reunited with his dam after 15 years.

Norfolk-based charity Redwings Horse Sanctuary, which looks after over 1,200 horses, ponies and donkeys and has experience of transporting large horses, was asked to help.

Redwings welfare officer Julie Harding and vet Roxane Kirton set off at 3am on 8 December for the 12-hour round trip to take Saxon back to Suffolk.

Julie said: “We have vast experience in moving large equines over long distances. Thanks to our supporters, we have the capacity to provide dedicated transport when required and are prepared for any eventuality.

“Being such a large horse, we always take one of out vets along in case of any potential problems. These problems are very rare however and, despite being a long journey, Saxon took it all in his stride.”

Somerleyton Estate manager Edward Knowles said he was delighted to have Saxon back where he belongs.

He said: “He’s a big lad. Magnificent. Horses have fantastic memories and, once he was off the Redwings’ transport, he appeared relaxed and familiar with his surroundings.

“Saxon will remain at our Fritton stables while he settles in and will be reunited with his mother at Somerleyton in the spring.”

• For more information on Redwings Horse Sanctuary, please visit www.redwings.co.uk.

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The Suffolk Show is extending its registration dates for all showjumping classes until May 20.

The move is aimed at assisting competitors who are awaiting confirmation of their requirement for national competitions, explained show director David Nunn.

“We want to ensure that we give everyone as much opportunity as possible and we have good entry levels.”

New in the Grand ring this year is a jump designed to replicate one of Suffolk’s icons, the Orwell Bridge, sponsored by Orwell Trucks.

To download an entry form visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk or call 01473 707115 for further details.

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The Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA) is giving a double boost to the farriery industry at its show this year.

The association will expand the competitive farriery area for this year’s Suffolk Show (1-2 June) to six double forges, which will accommodate twice as many horses and farriers as before.

“Farriery is always oversubscribed at the show — classes run continuously from 8.30am to 5.45 on both days,” said SAA executive director Christopher Bushby.

“So we made a decision to double the amount of space devoted to this increasingly popular area.”

The SAA has also announced their first accredited training day and farriery competition, The Eastern Counties Spring Championship, outside of the Suffolk Show.

It will take place at Trinity Park, the showground, on 4-5 March.

“We have more than 100 entries,” said Mr Bushby. “As a charity we are determined to support this growing industry as part of our education programme.”

For information, visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk

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A man injured while out hunting with the Essex and Suffolk last Saturday (15 January) is making a good recovery in hospital.

Charles Williamson, 77, suffered a fractured pelvis when his horse reared up and fell over backwards.

Due to the isolated location of the accident, near Hadleigh, Mr Williamson was airlifted to Ipswich Hospital, and then transferred to the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital, where he had an operation to pin his pelvis.

Joint-master Gillie Cranfield was one of the hunt members who stayed with Mr Williamson while waiting for the air ambulance to arrive.

“Charles had been waiting for another rider to remount when his horse went up on his back legs and fell on him,” she said.

“But he seems to be recovering well — he’s sitting up in bed and complaining he is bored, which has to be a good sign.”

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The organisers of the Suffolk Show are now able to offer mountain and moorland working hunter pony, novice working hunter and working cob classes for the first time.

The show, which will be held on 2-3 June at Trinity Park in Ipswich, has relocated and expanded its rings to accommodate more entries in more classes.

“Two existing rings have been merged to create a new dedicated working hunter ring that will free up other areas,” said David Nunn, deputy show director.

“This new ring has been created to include natural obstacles making it more authentic, challenging and interesting for the rider.”

The rings have been moved away from the busy public areas and are said to provide better access and proximity to the box parks.

Organisers have emphasised that despite the new equestrian rings, horses will continue to feature in the Grand Ring.

New show jumping classes include the Eraser Stakes — as seen at Olympia 2009 — and the International Stairway.

The Suffolk Show attracts 1200 equine entries across 290 classes and has a show jumping prize pot of £20,000.

Entries close on 9 April for show jumping classes and 26 March for all other equine classes.

Go to www.suffolkshow.co.uk.

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A new riding club has been formed by riders in North Suffolk, who were tired of travelling long distances to compete.

Halesworth and District Riding Club was started by 10 riders in May in order to cut down the time spent travelling to ride.

Founder member Sarah Shephard said: “To get to the Beccles and Bungay Riding Club, where we used to compete, took me over an hour.

“Now, since we’ve started the club, at the Phoenix Equestrian Centre, Spexhall, it’s only 4 miles away. Some of us live in the middle of nowhere out here, so it made sense to start a new club.”

So far the club has 30 members and has issued an open invitation to anyone interested to join.

Sarah said: “We want to create a very friendly and nurturing environment for new riders and provide sufficient affiliated competition for more experienced riders.”

The club has applied for British Riding Clubs affiliation.

The club’s inaugural dressage competition, at Phoenix Equestrian centre on Saturday 20 June, was hailed a great success.

And here are three further competitions this year, show jumping on 25 July and 19 September and dressage on 22 August, at the same venue.

Club membership for 2009 is £5. For more information, contact the membership secretary on 01986 873810, email doogbaldry@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.phoenixec.co.uk.

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Poor attendance at the Suffolk Show (27-28 May) has highlighted the effect the credit crunch is having on events.

Catalogued entries were only 100 down on last year, but many didn’t turn up. There were no heavyweight hunters, only two large hacks and three pony classes with just one entry.

Showgoers have suggested the price of fuel means owners who have already earned a Royal International or Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket do not want to travel.

They also say early closing dates, often 10-12 weeks before a show present a problem to producers who don’t want to make entries unnecessarily.

Hunter producer Alwyn Fradley said: “Entering in advance is part of showing, but if horses have already earned their ticket it is cheaper for owners to leave them at home.”

But events that take entries on the day, particularly the BSPS Area Shows, have done a roaring trade this season.

Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Spring Show secretary Marilyn Ludlow was worried by low numbers of pre-entries for the Arena UK show on 26 April but was “delighted” with turnout on the day.

Exhibitors also queued to enter at the recent Shropshire Country Spring Show (17 May).

“We deliberately offered a late closing date to help competitors,” said Area 10 secretary Sharon Thomas.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (11 June, ’09)

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Horse & Hound columnist Katie Jerram underwent emergency surgery at the London Independent Hospital in Stepney yesterday (Monday 1 June) after an accident in the horse walk at Suffolk Show last Thursday (28 May).

Katie was initially taken to Ipswich Hospital, but later discharged.

However, a scan the following day showed she had dislocated a disc in her neck, which was pressing on the spinal cord.

The show producer had a tungsten steel plate inserted between two vertebrae, which surgeons hope will fuse with the bone.

“It was the quickest way to recovery,” said her mother Jill on Monday afternoon.

“She could have been in a neck brace for eight weeks, but hopefully it could only be about six weeks before she’s back in the saddle. She’s fit and healthy, and it depends how quickly she heals.

“She should be out of hospital by the end of the week and luckily she’s got a lot of owner-riders, so although she can’t ride, she can still teach. We’re optimistic.”

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Suffolk Police launched Horsewatch countywide at the Suffolk Show, 27 and 28 May, with the aim of reducing rural and equine crime.

Running in mid Suffolk since September 2008, Horsewatch is now being extended by Suffolk Police to cover the whole county. The force intends to provide a network of information and support to all horse owners and riders.

“The aim of Horsewatch is to reduce the risk of equestrian-related crime by members being aware of the security measures they can take to protect their property,” said Julie Dennis of the Community Safety Unit.

Membership to Suffolk Horsewatch is free, and people are being encouraged to join, and establish co-operation in the equestrian community by passing on and receiving useful information to assist with crime prevention.

Members will be given the option to join the Police Direct messaging service, which enables them to receive up-to-date communications by either e-mail, text or voice recorded telephone messages, on community and equestrian crimes, as well as other information of potential relevance.

“As a horse owner I would urge equestrians to look closely at their security and postcode all of their equipment which, in the first instance will make their property undesirable to steal and secondly make it easier to identify should it be stolen and subsequently recovered,” Julie added.

Everyone is welcome to join the scheme — you do not need to own a horse to get involved.

For more information visit: www.suffolkpolice.uk and follow links to Horsewatch, or contact Julie Dennis of the Community Safety Unit, e-mail: horsewatch@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or tel: 01473 613994

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The Cotswold Cart Horse Society holds its Spring Working Show on Sunday (18 May) at Oxstalls Farm, Frampton Mansell in Gloucestershire.

There will be classes for working horses, a showcase of horse drawn equipment, demonstrations of rural crafts such as dry stone walling and a display of vintage tractors.

Many breeds of heavy horses will be at the show including Shires, Clydesdales and Suffolk Punches as well as native ponies and lighter horses.

Four Suffolk Punches — a breed that is on the critical register of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust — will be working in harness and there is also the chance to see a Suffolk Punch mare with her three-week-old foal.

Entrance is £5 for adults, with children under 16 free. The gates will open at 10am. For more information contact 01285 760544.

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Gales brought down a large bough onto the stable of one Suffolk horse-owner this morning (10 March), narrowly missing her mare.

Foxy Formula, owned by Lucy Cameron, was in the stable block at Bury St Edmunds with two other horses when the branch fell through the roof, demolishing the front of the stable and pinning the horse in.

“Luckily she was stood at the back of the stable, but if she had been fed a few minutes earlier she would have been at her manger which is by the door,” said Lucy.

“We had to call the vet to sedate her before we could get her out of the stable,” she added.

Have you been affected by the high winds and torrential rain? Share your stories on the forum

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now