London Harness Horse Parade

2008 Date:

• East Grinstead
• Haywards Heath

• London Bridge
• or London Victoria.

There is a small admission charge to help cover the costs.

• Adult: £5.00
• Children: Free

• 10.30am - Inspections and judging starts
• 1pm - Parade and presentation of awards
• 2pm - Parade ends

The London Harness Horse Parade is a wonderful show of well-kept and well-bred horses. It was formed by combining the London Cart Horse Parade, which was founded in 1885, and the London Van Horse Parade, which was founded in 1904.

The London Cart Horse Parade
The London Cart Horse Parade's objective was to improve the general condition and treatment of London’s working cart or heavy horses and to encourage drivers to take a humane interest in the welfare of their animals. For many years it was extremely popular but the introduction of motor vehicles saw the demise of horses as a means of transport.

The Van Horse Parade
The Van Horse Parade started in 1904 with similar objectives to the Cart Horse Parade but by the 1960’s numbers were diminishing so in 1966, the decision was made to amalgamate the two parades forming the London Harness Horse Parade, which would also be held on Easter Monday.

Regent's Park and Battersea Park played host to the Parades for many years but it is now held at the South of England Showground.

You can see a wide variety of breeds of animal – ranging from donkeys, to Dutch Friesians and Gelderlanders, to the magnificent heavy horses, which remain a favorite with the crowds. Some turnouts do come from working homes, such as the Shire horses from the Young’s and Fullers Breweries, or the Friesians from Harrods, and Cribbs Undertakers, but the majority of the Parade consists of privately-owned horses whose owners have a passion for their welfare.

The parade retains its strong London identity, although exhibitors will travel from as far as Cornwall, Ireland, and Cumbria to participate.

Learn more about horses at: horses.about.com.