15 July 2025

Launch of National Spring Show

The Shire Horse Society, the organiser of the new National Spring Show, formerly known as the National Shire Horse Show, has confirmed their prestigious event will now be held as a one-day indoor breed show at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, near Tarporley in Cheshire on Saturday 21st March 2026.

Previously held at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire County Showground, over three days, the Shire Horse Society, a registered charity, which is dedicated to the protection, promotion, and improvement of the Shire horse, will also hold a new National Summer Show later in the year.

The show, which has been held at a limited number of venues in England over its long history, is believed to be one of the oldest, horse shows in the world, having been held for the first time at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, in 1880, when the charity was named the English Cart Horse Society.

Shire horses will be shown in-hand in their respective breed and young handler classes with National Champions and Shire Horse of the Year qualifiers being crowned. The show attracts horses from across the country and spectators from around the globe and is the flagship event for the Shire Horse Society.

Chief Executive Victoria Clayton said: “the change to the National Spring Show and introduction of a National Summer Show presents a new challenge and new opportunities for the Society.  We have loved our time at Stafford, but financially it was no longer viable for the Society to continue on that path.  Kelsall Hill is a fantastic venue and we very much look forward to working with the Latham family and the team at Kelsall.’’ 

Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre said: “we are absolutely delighted to welcome the Shire Horse Society to the Centre for the first time in 2026 for their prestigious show. 

We are honoured to partner with such an historic and respected organisation and cannot wait to showcase these magnificent heavy horses in our beautiful setting. This event holds special meaning for us — the late Alistair King, always dreamed of hosting a Shire Horse Show here and walked the very foundations with that vision in mind. It is a privilege to now fulfil that dream. Our owner, Phil Latham, has long hoped to see the Shires at Kelsall Hill, and we are proud to make that a reality.”

The new National Summer Show will host a wide range of ridden, foal, harness, agricultural, cart and turnout classes and both the venue and date will be announced in due course.

The 2025 show attracted some excellent examples of the breed. The winner of the King George V trophy, taking the highest honour went to the Champion stallion Manor Farm Magic Mike owned by Messrs. H S & A Callwood, from Cheshire. The female Champion went to Providence Winnie owned by Mr L M Fountain, from Derbyshire. Both horses qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year show in taking their respective championships.

The iconic Shire breed was in danger of dying out just a few decades ago, and even now fewer than three hundred new foals are registered every year by the Shire Horse Society. The charity has been running a Save Our Shires campaign to raise awareness about these gentle giants and numbers have steadily increased, thanks to the dedication of a band of enthusiasts.  Shire demo teams attached to their own Shire Village can be seen at some county shows across the country.

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