As part of a series of new initiatives exclusively for its younger members to be announced in 2023, the Shire Horse Society are launching its new Achievement Merit Badge Award Scheme today, 11th January 2023 for Junior Members aged between 8 and 17 years.

The Merit Badge Scheme will offer a series of six Sew on Merit Patch Badges, each badge differentiated by colour, featuring a particular skill set.  Badges will be announced quarterly, starting with Shire Horse Grooming and Safe Handling, to be followed by Show Preparation and then Braiding. The second series of three badges will be announced after the Society's National Show in March. 

​Entrants must complete the application form and submit a short video of them undertaking the individual badge task requirements. Video submissions will be assessed by Helen Preece, Head Horseman of Robinsons Brewery and Richard Green, Head Horseman of Thwaites Brewery. 

The first badge will be presented to Junior Horseman, who have successfully achieved the desired standard, during the Awards Presentation in the main ring at the National Show, held at the Newark Showground in March.

Robinsons and Thwaites Shire Horses have generously sponsored the badges for this new initiative. A fleece gilet that the badges can be stitched onto will be available on line from the Society's merchandise shop.

Once candidates have successfully completed all six Merit Badge Assessments they will be encouraged to progress to an advanced Bronze, Silver and Gold Badge Award. The advanced badges will involve a theory paper and will count towards their knowledge and progression training for the Shire Horse Society Young Judges Scheme.

To learn more about the Shire Horse Society Merit Badge Award Scheme, which we hope will encourage our young shire horse men and women to boost their shire horse skills and knowledge and to find out how to become a Member click here. You can download the relevant information pack and submission application form below.

Further information can be obtained from the Shire Horse Society office during office hours.

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