Heavy horses play central part in social history

THROUGH an internet protest I have become aware of the decision, by Bradford Museums, to close the Horses at Work section of the Bradford Industrial Museum and dispose of the two working Clydesdales Murdoch and Darcy. As the author of a recently published book on Clydesdale horses, entitled The Clydesdale: workhorse of the world, I am horrified to hear of this decision which appears to have been taken arbitrarily and giving very little notice to either staff or public.

It would appear that little or no attempt has been made to quantify the cost to earnings ratio of the horses, or to ring fence such earnings to ensure their future. The heavy horses, to our children, are a source of living history and they are much loved wherever they are seen by the public.

Research for my book allowed me the privilege of driving Baron and Duke, owned by the City of Glasgow, in the city’s Pollok Park last summer and my abiding memory is of the smiles that lit up the faces of everyone we met.

These beautiful horses have been an essential part of our social history for nearly 200 years. It would be tragic if short term (and short sighted) budget cuts were to deprive our city dwellers of access to them.