Book Wessex Show & Country Fayre tickets & spend the day with Britain's gentle giants at the Wessex Heavy Horse Show in Dorset
The Wessex Heavy Horse Show & Country Fayre returns to the Turnpike Showground on Sunday 13th September 2026, bringing together magnificent heavy horses, skilled handlers and a traditional country show atmosphere. From championship competitions to harness classes and family-friendly entertainment, it's a wonderful celebration of Britain's gentle giants and rural heritage.
- See around 50 magnificent heavy horses compete throughout the day
- Watch ridden, driven, in-hand and harness classes
- Enjoy the prestigious West of England Heavy Horse Championships
- Cheer on competitors in the popular Young Handler class
- Browse trade stands and enjoy a traditional country fayre atmosphere
- Experience one of the South West's leading heavy horse events
Experience one of the biggest heavy horse events in the South East
- Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
- Location: Gillingham & Shaftesbury Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, Dorset, SP7 9PL
- Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages
- Competitions: Ridden, driven, in-hand, harness and Young Handler classes
- Championships: West of England Heavy Horse In-Hand and Harness Championships
- Tickets Include: Entry to the Show & Country Fayre and access to all public classes and competitions
What's On at the Wessex Heavy Horse Show 2026?
- Heavy Horse Classes: Watch beautifully presented heavy horses compete in a variety of show classes
- Ridden Classes: See riders showcase the versatility and temperament of heavy horse breeds
- Driven Classes: Enjoy impressive driving displays demonstrating traditional horse skills
- Harness Classes: Admire horse and harness combinations in competition
- Young Handler Competition: Support the next generation of heavy horse enthusiasts
- Championship Finals: Watch top competitors battle for the prestigious West of England titles
Heavy horse displays, countryside traditions & championship competition - all included in your tickets!
- Heavy Horse Show: Watch magnificent heavy horses compete in a full programme of ridden, driven, in-hand and harness classes.
- West of England Championships: See the region's top heavy horses compete in the prestigious In-Hand and Harness Championship finals.
- Novice Championship: Cheer on up-and-coming competitors as they showcase their skills in this exciting championship class.
- Horse Logging Demo: Discover traditional forestry techniques and see the strength and versatility of working heavy horses in action.
- Trade & Craft Stalls: Browse a variety of equestrian goods, countryside products, handmade crafts and unique gifts.
- Bar: Relax with a refreshing drink while enjoying the atmosphere of the show.
- Refreshments: Refuel throughout the day with a selection of food, snacks and hot and cold drinks.
- Classic Vehicles: Admire a display of vintage cars, tractors and classic machinery celebrating rural heritage.
- Stationary Engines: See beautifully restored engines and traditional agricultural machinery on display.
- Display Rings: Enjoy demonstrations, exhibitions and entertainment taking place throughout the day.
- Fun Dog Show: Enter your four-legged friend or enjoy a range of fun and family-friendly dog classes.
- Farriery Competition: Watch skilled farriers demonstrate the craftsmanship and expertise behind traditional horseshoeing.
A celebration of heavy horses, rural heritage & countryside traditions
The Wessex Heavy Horse Society has been promoting heavy horses throughout the Wessex region for generations, and its annual show remains one of the highlights of the heavy horse calendar. Visitors travel from across the South West to admire these remarkable animals and celebrate the traditions that helped shape rural Britain.
Throughout the day you'll have the chance to watch heavy horses competing in ridden, driven, harness and in-hand classes, alongside the prestigious West of England Heavy Horse In-Hand and Harness Championships. Qualifying competitors travel from shows across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire to take part.
Beyond the competition rings, the Show & Country Fayre offers a relaxed countryside atmosphere with trade stands, exhibitors and fellow enthusiasts sharing a passion for heavy horses and rural life. Whether you're a lifelong horse lover or discovering these incredible animals for the first time, there is plenty to enjoy throughout the day.
Book Wessex Heavy Horse Show tickets today and spend a memorable day celebrating some of Britain's most magnificent horses in the heart of Dorset.