A New Dawn for Working Shire Horses
The captivating story of Cromwell, the newest member of Hook Norton Brewery's historical shire horse team. Meet our horse who is ready to turn a few heads and pints!
The Arrival of Cromwell
The equestrian world witnessed an exciting development as
Hook Norton Brewery welcomed a beautiful two-year-old Shire horse named Cromwell, a purchase that sends out a bold message that these magnificent creatures are
valued team members and integral to their tradition-riddled brewing process. A proud purchase from a breeder in Lincolnshire heralding a
bright future for this age-old business model.
Horse & Hound reports.
Cromwell joins a noble team of working Shire horses at the Oxfordshire brewery, becoming comrades with the retired 25-year-old Nelson and the energetic five-year-olds, Balmoral and Brigadier. Hook Norton Brewery, witnessing its significant
175th anniversary this year, is one of just three British breweries that still retain working Shires for beer delivery - a historical practice that is as quaint as it is environmentally conscious.
Training for the Future
Eyeing Cromwell's inquisitive and friendly nature, head coachman Nicholas Carter
anticipates a promising future for him at the brewery. The horses live in the brewery's original 19th-century stable block, which is cordially open to the public, amid towering fields and tranquil landscapes.
Cromwell is now primed and ready to step into the limelight, soon to be spending the next couple of years greeting brewery visitors, competing at shows, and making visits to the brewery's pubs - A life that's surely full of adventure and joy! His training to drive begins when he turns four reinforcing the fact that these Shires have demanding lives with more than
75 public engagements, ranging from competitions to demonstrations, fetes, weddings, and even television work.
Playing An Important Role
In 2021, the brewery received the accolade of becoming a Shire Horse Society approved centre, hosting a range of training programs and events to promote and secure the breed's place in the contemporary world.
The Legacy Continues
The addition of Cromwell to the team signifies Hook Norton Brewery's commitment to the preservation of this rare breed and the rich history they represent. As Mr. Carter puts it, “This is a bold statement from our team of directors that our Shire horses are valued team members and will continue to remain a prominent part of the brewery’s future for years to come.”.
A Brewtiful Future
As we raise our pints to the setting sun, we glimpse into a future where beer delivery alternatives converge not only toward sustainability but also tradition. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy the clapping sound of hooves against the cobblestone roads when waiting for their pint of ale? Concluding with a whinny laugh, of course!
source
