Shire horse tug of war called off
Lizard Stallions said shire horses have undergone 1,000 years of breeding to pull loads.
Tug of war bouts involving shire horses will no longer take place at the Royal Cornwall Show, organisers have confirmed.
Shire horse stallion George, of the Lizard Stallions company, was involved in tug of war challenges with rugby teams last week. However, the display attracted significant online criticism from members of the public with welfare concerns.
Show organisers said on Twitter: "We have considered comments some made regarding the Lizard Stallions. Their display will no longer include the tug of war challenge."
Responding to criticisms on Facebook, Lizard Stallions - who offer shire experience days, horse drawn trips and wedding transport - said: "This is George's job 5 days a week during our busy period. He weighs just over a ton and believe me when I say, if he didn't want to do it he wouldn't.
"We care considerably for our horses and would never put them in any danger. We are surrounded by very experienced animal professionals and no concerns have been raised by them."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
