The Working Horse Trust is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, which is devoted to safeguarding the future of our much loved Heavy Horse Breeds. The Trust is also an environmental organisation and aims to translate a love of Heavy Horses and concern for the countryside into action that protects the future of both - hence their motto "Harnessing Horse Power to Help the Environment".

The Trust aims to ensure that our Heavy Horse Breeds do not disappear. The Suffolk and Clydesdale are both at risk and even the much loved Shire is not long out of the endangered category.

The Trust also aims to ensure that the traditional skills associated with handling and caring for them do not fade into disuse.

Breeding - The Trust has recently acquired two Ardennes foals and plans to acquire one or two Suffolk mares from which it can breed.

Courses - The Trust also runs training courses for would-be Heavy Horse handlers. The aim is to make the horses as accessible as possible by taking them out and about to local shows and events by inviting the public to meet them.

Membership - Becoming a member of the Trust is one of the most effective ways in which you can help care for the Horses and ensure the success of its projects, particularly if your subscription is via a Banker's Order and Deed of Covenant.

Education and information are also key aspects of the Trust's work and much effort is currently being expended on planning education programmes for children and students and are preparing information leaflets and posters.

Forge Wood Farm is the base of the Trust. Here the Heavy Horses are promoted by their sympathetic use in countryside management. Practical work is focused on a major farm restoration and conservation project which entails rehabilitating around 100 acres of neglected farmland in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The idea behind this project is to actually show how well Heavy Horses still fit in with modern-day activities. As well as creating a productive farm, individual projects being undertaken include pond restoration; hedgerow and tree planting; the creation of wildflower meadows; the creation of a farm and woodland nature walk, woodland management and habitat restoration.

All donations are most welcome! Extra pairs of hands are often needed as they run a volunteer programme - you can spend time at the farm with the horses, or perhaps assist with fund raising activities.

Alternatively you might consider adopting one of the horses and taking an interest with its progress. You can be assured that your money or time will be well spent and that it will be a valued contribution.

Benefits of Membership

Trust Members can visit Forge Wood Farm at any time. Members receive a membership card, car sticker and a quarterly newsletter and are entitled to a 20% discount on the formal training courses offered.

There is an annual Member's Day, a Dinner and Dance and members also receive details of the events attended by the Trust throughout the year plus invitations to fund raising events.

Membership Rates

Standard £ 12.00

Associate £ 10.00 (i.e. Student, unemployed, Senior Citizen, etc.)

Family £ 28.00

Junior (Under 16) £ 8.00

For further details of training courses, volunteer work, and the Adopt a Heavy Horse Scheme contact: