FOUR gentle giants are causing a stir in the Holme Valley.
Majestic Shire horses are set to make a comeback with the Holme Valley Heavy Horses Heritage Centre due to open later this month at Hinchliffe’s Farm in Netherton.
The horses made a guest appearance at the farm’s open day at the end of May and proved incredibly popular with adults and children alike.
And they’re set to move into purpose-built stables suitable for the shires which stand tall at 16-17 hands – a hand is four inches, measured to the horse’s withers (shoulders).
The centre is the brainchild of former teacher Pam Brooke and son Michael Bye, who say they want to “preserve their heritage”.
They own four draught horses – three Shires called Major, Ted and William and a Clydesdale called Lady.
The horses are currently stabled at Wood Nook Farm in Meltham, but in two weeks’ time all four will move into their new home at the Netherton Moor Road farm.
Once installed, the horses will be the mainstay of a heritage and educational centre, which will celebrate the role these magnificent animals have played in the history of Huddersfield’s rural life.
Sounds and sights of a century ago will be recreated as farriers, wheelwrights, brass tack and carriages will all make a reappearance – this time for the benefit of visitors.
Pam, of Magdale, Honley, has always loved Shires, but became smitten with the breed when she visited the Lakeland Heavy Horse Centre with Michael four years ago.
Michael’s life as a professional musician had been suddenly curtailed following a serious car accident some years earlier. But the Shire horses had a dramatic effect on him.
Pam, who is married to Huddersfield historian Alan Brooke, said: “These horses are amazing. I saw a smile on my son’s face for the first time in years. He was so happy.”
Soon afterwards they acquired their first rescue Shire from Orkney.
She and Michael visited every heavy horse centre in the country and took numerous courses to learn as much as they could about these magnificent beasts.
Pam has sunk all of her boundless energy and pension into setting up the Heritage Centre.
Pam added: “We want to preserve and promote Shire horses.
“Our family roots can be traced back over 200 years in the Holme Valley.
“We are proud of our heritage and want to acknowledge the enormous contribution that the heavy horse has made to the history of the local area.
“These animals are so special. I have been passionate about them since I was four years old when our milk used to arrive on a horse-drawn cart.
“It is incredible how many people flock to see the horses. They are so gentle and therapeutic; they are timeless.”
On Saturday, August 20, the first heritage day will take place when a traditional farrier will hot shoe two of the horses.
In addition, carriage rides will be available to the public on Wednesdays and weekends and grooming days will take place on Fridays.
Pam and Alan also hope add a permanent blacksmith’s forge and introduce the role of the Shire horse in social history to the school curriculum.
They are also hoping to attract financial support from The Heritage Lottery Fund and local sponsors.
SHIRE HORSE FACT FILE:
During World War Two there were five working farms in Honley using heavy horses, as well as numerous local businesses.
The origins of the English heavy horse can be traced back to the 12th Century.
Shires are one of the tallest breeds in the world. with mares standing at 16 hands tall and stallions at 17 hands (a hand is four inches, measured to the horse’s withers (shoulders)).
The breed is famous for its great strength and gentle temperament.
The long hairs on Shires’ legs are called feathers.
Population numbers of Shire horses in Britain are still considered to be ‘critical’.
