Excitement at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm as new shire horses arrive

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm have acquired a pair of working shire horses following a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign and the kind support of the community and donators.

William and Alfie recently arrived at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm launched a crowdfunding campaign in February 2019 to replace their iconic working shire horses, Charlie and Joe, who are fast approaching retirement.

The new boys, William and Alfie, arrived at Acton Scott just over a week ago and have been gradually getting acclimatised to life on the working farm, meeting Charlie and Joe who are soon set for retirement as well as Dusty the donkey and Delilah the mule.

William and Alfie are 10 and 11 years old and have always lived and worked together, mainly pulling carts though they do have experience of working on the land as well.

The resident wagoner/equine manager at Acton Scott has been training William and Alfie since their arrival to make them fit and safe for life on a Victorian working farm. There is a long road ahead of them getting used to each different machine and building up their muscle power before they can completely take over the heavy work on the farm.

William & Alfie with wagoner and equine manager, Simon Trueman

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:

“I’m thrilled that Acton Scott Historic Working Farm have been able to acquire a working pair of shire horses, and I’m really looking forward to meeting them.

 

“I’m acutely aware that this would not have been possible without the amazing support and generosity of the Shropshire community and visitors to our wonderful county and I’m extremely grateful. Thank you!”

Sarah Green, facilities manager at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, said:

“All the team here at the farm are overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Shropshire and further afield and we are incredibly grateful.

 

“Their support will enable us to look after Charlie in his ‘phased retirement’ and keep the farm working in the traditional ways for many more years to come.  All donations made at the museum this year will also be going towards the upkeep of our four magnificent horses.”

Simon Trueman, wagoner and equine manager at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, said:

“I’m really happy with the generous help we’ve had enabling us to get William and Alfie to the farm, so far they haven’t put a foot wrong and will soon be relieving Charlie of the heavy duties.”

Charlie is still working but has moved to lighter duties that suit him better. Early visitors now have the opportunity to groom Charlie and sit on his back and he’s loving the attention.  Joe (the younger horse) is still rehabilitating well and is also out greeting the public and doing some of the lighter work.

Charlie and Joe are loving life in their phased retirement

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm are holding a series of family and child friendly events, activities and workshops over the Easter holidays including the chance to get close to Charlie and Joe.

For more information about what’s on at the Farm, click here.