One of the last remaining breweries to use working Shire horses for dray deliveries, Wadworth, has welcomed a new addition to its team, as local favourite Monty retires to Wales.
Sam (pictured with groom Hannah) — whose full name is Goose Green’s Perfection — started work yesterday, with the Devizes community getting an opportunity to meet him first today at the brewery. He hails from Wales, is six years old and a huge 18.2 hands high, with four white socks and a white blaze.
During his eight years with Wadworth, Monty became a well-known and celebrated member of the Shire horse team. He is leaving his career to start a well-deserved retirement in Cardigan, Wales,having filled up his trophy cabinet winning countless awards, including the unbeaten champion of 2015. Monty was part of the team awarded first in pair’s trade turnout and first in single trade turnout at this year’s Royal Three Counties show at Malvern.
Martin Whittle, head horseman at Wadworth, said: “We are really pleased to welcome Sam to our Shire horse team. He is a well-trained and experienced Shire horse and we have great expectations for him.
“We wish Monty a long and happy retirement in Wales. He has been a real asset during his eight years with us and has a string of trophies to show for it.”
Wadworth’s much-loved Shires complete between ten and 15 deliveries around the town of Devizes every week. In their heyday, before the arrival of the internal combustion engine, more than 40 Shires were used by the brewery to deliver its famous beers to local inns and hostelries.
