"The Show will start at 11 a.m. and funds raised will be going to the 'Beacon of Hope' and 'First Response'.

The West Wales Shire Horse Society was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting the breed of the Shire Horse and to keep the breed going.

The majority of members are Shire Horse owners but new members are always welcome. Since the commencement of the Society funds have been raised for Bronglais Hospital, Withybush Hospital, Glangwili Hospital, Wales Air Ambulance, Dyfed-Powys Police Benevolend Fund, All Wales Ploughing Championships, Hafan Hedd (Hywel Dda Trust),Macmillan Nurses.

Attractions on the day of the Show...as well as a high very turnout of these beautiful horses are, a Vintage Tractor Section, a Tug of War - the Shire Horse -v- Children, Birds of Prey Demonstration and Bouncy Castle. Refreshments are available on the showfield."

I started showing Shire Horses with my Dad and Mum, Mervyn and Fernleigh Smith when I was a teenager.

He has owned Shire Horses since the 1970's with the prefix 'Penlan'. In 2005 both myself and my husband was lucky enough to be given a yearling Shire called Penlan Ceri Rose from Dad and Mum which was fantastic.

Since that time Ceri has competed in many shows including the Royal Welsh Show.

Our daughter, Cerys who is now seven years old is very keen and can't wait to start showing! In 2008 we competed at 17 shows which was very hard but enjoyable work.

It is always lovely to see a crowd of people gather around the showring when the Shire Horses enter the ring. This confirms that the Shire Horse is as popular now as it was many years ago.

This year was very exciting as we had our first foal which we have called 'Penbryn Celtic Charm' whom is doing very well and will be going to the Shows this year with Ceri.

I would like to wish all the members of the West Wales Shire Horse Society all the very best of luck at the Shows this year together with every other competitor competing and hope the weather will shine on us this year!

If anyone has any enquiries relating to the Show, how to become a member or to the Shire Horse in general please do not hesitate to contact me through our new website which has a link on the right hand side of this page."

Dad will be the President of the West Wales Shire Horse Show which for me is an honour. In 2007 Dad was awarded the 'Long Service Achievement Award' by the Shire Horse Society - this was a very special day which made me feel very proud of my Dad.

Article by Helen Harries