In December 1978 a group of Shire Horse owners in Abergele contacted the National Shire Horse Society with reference to setting up a local Shire Horse Society. On Wednesday the 12th February 1979 the inaugural meeting took place at the Bee Hotel in Abergele, there were 12 members when the Abergele and District Shire Horse Society was officially launched.

At the inaugural meeting a Mr. Derrick Williams was elected as  Chairman, a position he held for 25 years before stepping down, Mr. Williams is still an active member of the society and shows his horses at the various agricultural shows. His efforts in starting the society and taking active positive steps over the years has kept the society going. Sadly many of the original members are no longer with us, but their legacy continues.

Five years ago the society changed its name to the; North Wales Shire Horse Society, as members were now coming from all over North Wales.

The society holds meetings every two months, alternating between Abergele and Llanfairfechan. At these meetings members have the opportunity to express their desires in keeping the society moving forward.

During the year the society holds different events, there is a Working Day where anyone can try their hand at working with the Shire Horse. These Working Days attract visitors on a regular basis who under the watchful eye of the horse owner can experience;

• Ploughing with a heavy horse
• Harnessing the horse
• Long reining through an obstacle course
• Plaiting and preparing the horse for showing
• Log pulling

The society holds an Open Day where members show their horses, the events attractions include;

• A parade of Shire Horses
• A parade of Shetlands and other breeds
• Harnessing the horse
• A best Plaited Horse
• A best Shod Shire
• A carriage driving display
• Ridden shire class
• Working demonstrations eg. logging
• Vintage horse drawn vehicles
• Vintage tractors

SO COME ALONG AND ENJOY THE FUN 

Membership of the society costs;
Single membership £9-00 per year
Joint membership £15-00 per year
Family membership £20-00 per year(two adults and two children)