EQUESTRIAN

HEAVY HORSES

Thimbleby & Shorland have been selling horses of all types for over 100 years in Reading and in particular, in the earlier part of the 20th century, farm and vanner type of horses. After the First World War, Thimbleby & Shorland were contracted to the Minister of War to dispose of horses returning from active service in France.

From these early days of horse sales, the regular Reading Horse & Pony sales developed. After the Second World War, tractors became the main source of power on the farm and so the numbers of Heavy Horses declined. However there came a revival of interest in all breeds of heavy horses in the 1970's with many breweries using the drays and teams of horses not only to deliver beer to pubs close to the brewery but also to advertise their name at local and national shows.

During the latter part of the 20th century, the demand for heavy horses, their wagons, implements, harness and sundry items became high and so Thimbleby & Shorland started regular annual sales in 1970 for Heavy Horses with the great support of members of the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association. These sales started on local farms in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. Eventually the annual sale settled down in Reading Livestock Market.

In 2010, the annual sale of heavy horses, wagons, farm implements, saddlery etc will be held at Reading Auction Market and will be combined with the Reading Carriage Sale on Wednesday 3rd March.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: info@thimbleby-shorland.co.uk or telephone + 44 (0)118 950 8611