Hook Norton Brewery Shire Horses Head Off on Three-Week Holiday to Todenham Manor

Hook Norton, Oxfordshire – Brigadier and Balmoral, the much-loved Shire horses of Hook Norton Brewery are setting off on a well-earned three-week holiday, swapping their familiar brewery surroundings for fresh grass and open pastures at Todenham Manor, near Moreton-in-Marsh. As one of the last remaining breweries to still deliver by horse drawn dray, these magnificent horses will be rewarded with a pint of Hooky before being turned out to grass on Saturday 24^th January, at midday. Spectators are encouraged to head over and watch this spectacle unfold whilst enjoying a hot drink or food from Todenham Manor’s ‘Herd’ kitchen.

 The horses, an iconic part of the Brewery’s heritage and a popular sight at local events and deliveries, will be departing to enjoy a period of rest and relaxation. Their stay at Todenham Manor will allow them time to graze freely, unwind, and recharge after a busy few years representing one of the country’s most historic breweries.

 Hook Norton Brewery has maintained its Shire horse tradition for generations, keeping alive a working link to Britain’s brewing and agricultural past. The horses remain ambassadors not only for the Brewery, but also for the Shire horse breed, helping to raise awareness of its cultural and historical importance.

 This break is an important part of the horses’ development, allowing them some time to hang up their harness after being trained to drive a year and a half ago. Set in the rolling Cotswold landscape, Todenham Manor provides the ideal environment for the horses to relax before returning to Hook Norton refreshed and ready to resume their duties. Upon their homecoming on February 14^th, the Shires will return to their newly refurbished Victorian stables which are being re-opened following a devastating fire in May 2024.

 The Brewery looks forward to welcoming the horses back after their holiday, where they will continue to delight visitors and locals alike as living symbols of tradition, craftsmanship and rural heritage. 

Pictures:  Hook Norton Brewery

Rolling fields of Todenham Manor Farm

Brigadier and Balmoral outside the Pear Tree Inn making a beer delivery.

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