A 17-month-old Shire horse has become the latest resident at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm in Leeds, where she will be trained to help demonstrate traditional farming practices to visitors.
Named Batley Charlotte Gray and known as Charlotte, the young horse arrived at the farm on Sunday 18 October.
Charlotte will spend the coming years growing and learning to become accustomed to people, respond to commands and eventually assist with activities around the farm.
Shire horses were once widely used on farms across Britain to pull carts and ploughs. The breed is now classified as At Risk by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, reflecting concerns about declining numbers.
Charlotte’s arrival marks the return of a Shire horse to Temple Newsam Farm. She attracted attention from visitors within her first hour at the site.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said:
Temple Newsam Farm gives visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Leeds’s rural heritage and see first-hand the animals that played such an important role in our farming history.
We’re delighted to welcome Charlotte to the farm. As she grows and develops, she will help bring traditional farming practices to life, giving visitors the chance to get up close to one of Britain’s most iconic horse breeds while supporting the farm’s role as a place of learning, discovery and enjoyment for all ages.
Richard Aldis, farm manager at Temple Newsam, said:
We are delighted to welcome a Shire horse back to Temple Newsam Farm.
Over time, Charlotte will take on a range of duties around the farm, helping visitors understand the important role Shire horses once played in agriculture.
Watching her develop over the coming years will be a real highlight for the farm team.
Temple Newsam’s Home Farm allows visitors to explore traditional farming practices and meet a range of farm animals. The site also has a Play Barn with farm-themed play areas for children.