Iconic Acton Scott Shire Horse has sadly passed away

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Shire Horse, Charlie, has died.  He has been a valuable member of our team here at Acton Scott for over 10 years and he will be sorely missed.

Charlie

Charlie has been our star attraction here since he arrived at the museum.  His gentle and loving nature captured the hearts of thousands of visitors and many people had their first experiences of horses with Charlie.  He was groomed daily and regularly either had children sitting on his back or pulled a cart full of happy and smiling families, both of which he clearly enjoyed.

For many years Charlie did all the solo horse work on the farm from cart rides to muck spreading and worked side by side with Joe for the heavier work, teaching Joe the ropes as he went.

Over the last 2 years we had been gradually reducing Charlie’s work load recognising the fact that he was getting older and his back legs had become stiff.  He has been in good health over the winter and was out in the fields with his friends the day before he died.

Simon & Jak who look after all our equines here at Acton Scott regularly described Charlie as a ‘Once in a Lifetime Horse’…

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

“Charlie was so loved by staff and visitors alike and will be missed by us all, particularly by Simon and Jak who cared for him on a day to day basis.

“I will always think of Charlie when I visit, we will no longer hear his hooves on the cobbles but he will always be there in our hearts.”