Who are the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association?

A group of people of all ages and backgrounds united in our passion for working and supporting heavy horses. Southern Counties is the UK’s oldest heavy horse association, founded by ten horse ploughing and heavy horse enthusiasts. The association now has in excess of 300 members and runs a year round programme of events and training. Some of us own heavy horses, all of us are devoted to their future.

What We Do

We arrange two major public events each year. The April spring event is for demonstrations of horse ploughing, cultivation, carting, timber-work, obstacle driving, showing and ridden. The October All England horse ploughing championships and show of heavy horses is unique and the only show of its kind in the UK. Members can benefit from our hands on training workshops in heavy horse skills such as harnessing, ploughing, driving, plaiting, visits to schools and other institutions with our horses. Looking at new ways of using heavy horses, members are:

  • Introducing modern implements from the UK and overseas designed
    for effective use with heavy horses.
  • Promoting heavy horse driving trials.
  • Promoting the riding of heavy horses.

Members take part in a wide range of events, parades and shows, demonstrating the beauty, obedience and versatility of all breeds and types of heavy horse.

Why Not Join Us?

Benefits of Membership:

  • Hands-on workshops.
  • Four free newsletters a year.
  • Programme of social events.
  • Free entry to the spring working.
  • Free entry to the autumn All England Ploughing Championship & Show.
  • Chance to work with heavy horses.
  • Contact with other heavy horse enthusiasts.

Membership

Annual Subscription:  £20.00
Joint/Family Subscription (2 Adults + 2 children under 16):  £30.00
Single Life Membership:  £500.00

If you are interested in joining us please click on this link to print and return the ‘Membership Application Form’.

Percheron heavy horses ploughing
Showing Suffolk heavy horse
Pair of heavy horses ploughing