Punch horses show stamina
Suffolk Punch horses were put through their paces at the second Suffolk Horse Endurance Trials, at Euston Park, on Sunday.
The challenge tested the horses' stamina while they worked as they used to more than 100 years ago, pulling wagons, carts or drays.
The course consisted of two five-mile loops and drivers had to be ready when their horses met the distractions of fields of pigs, a black snake – in the form of a hose across the track – and big red tractors.
Vets monitored the horses after each loop checking they were fine to go on.
Jane Rutherford, of the Suffolk Horse Society, said: "The trial itself was longer than last year - we extended each loop by a mile and the horses dealt with it well.
"All the horses seemed to enjoy it – it's what they were bred for."
Eight teams took part - four in the singles, including Nigel Oakley driving the Countess of Euston's horse Jasper, and Barry Atkin, of Chevington, with Beck Row Bob – and four in the pairs.
Once the horses finished, the vets collated the results, based on the horses which completed both laps in a time judged to be the optimum and had returned sound and in best health.
The singles class was won by Glen Cass, from Halstead, with Kentwell Paigale. The pairs competition was won by Andy and Ness Morris, from Winchester, with Beauman and Leo, for the second year running.
The Suffolk Horse Society annual Suffolk Heavy Horse Spectacular and County Fair event is at Easton Farm Park on September 6, when Suffolk Punch horses will take part in a number of competitions and be ridden in a gymkhana.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South west
