Shire horse experience day

Join us at Acton Scott Heritage Farm for an Experience Day with our resident Shire Horses.

The day will be led by our horseman Steve Ledsham who has over 40 years experience with Heavy Horses. With a maximum of four participants, there will be plenty of hands-on opportunities throughout the course of the day.

Do be aware that spaces are limited and booking is essential.

Join us in Acton Scott Heritage Farm’s historic stables where you will be introduced to the horses being used for the day. Here, you will receive an introduction to working with heavy horses and harnessing, including a talk on the different breeds and history of the heavy horse, before having the opportunity to long rein a Shire horse around the Farm.

After working up an appetite, we will stop and enjoy a traditional ploughman’s lunch.

After lunch, we will head back to the stables to learn about the harness used for driving a pair of horses and then, the opportunity to drive the horses in the carriage. The day will finish with final refreshments, where we will present you with a memento to keep of your day.

• Dates: Selected Fridays, running May to October 2026
  
• Schedule: 10:00 to 16:00
• Price: £160 per person

If you have any questions about the Experience day, please message the Team using the Contact Us form.

• Ploughman's lunch and hot refreshments provided
• Receive a memento of your day
• Participants must be over 16 years old
• No previous experience with horses is necessary
• Participants must be fit enough to walk at the same pace as the horses on uneven ground such as cobblestones and fields
• Please wear sturdy shoes and clothing suitable for variable weather and outdoor work
• The content of the day may vary slightly to suit circumstances
• The Experience Day may be postponed in the event of predicted adverse weather or for animal welfare reasons. We will give as much notice as possible, and an alternative date will be offered

Feedback from participants

"I have learned so much from Steve about horses."
"Good company, good food, laughed all day long... such a lovely calm, happy day."
"Fantastic opportunity to spend time around magnificent shire horses!"