History
 |
 |
 |
| Royston Oxo -
1959 The first ever Champion Foal at the Midland Foal Show, pictured here with a young John Etches. Exhibited by Mr C. C. Etches |
Holbrook Pride -
1959 Mr Bill Appleby one of the most knowledgeable showmen of his time showing here for Mr Stan Rowland |
Vicarwood Minnow - 1959 One of the Judges looks on as Mr W. Naylor of Derbyshire put his 1st prize filly foal through her paces. |
The Midland Foal Show, seen by many as the premier event of its kind in the country, is still going strong after 52 years. Little could the organisers of the first show foresee the enduring success of the event, for it was started in the dark days of 1959 when following a Shire Horse Society meeting at its Devonshire Street headquarters in London, it had become clear the demise of the 'Foal Stakes' was only a matter of time.
Today the dedicated committee members include Mr Jim Yates and Mrs Ann Etches whose family members, together with the late John Suckley, were the prime driving force in gaining and maintaining the support necessary to start the show and to ensure its continuing success. Long term loyalties have been a key to the society, the proof is in the short list of secretaries which the society has had to elect. In the history of the society only Harold Gregory, David Cook and our current secretary Mrs Delma Nulty have been in office.
The early shows from 1959 were held at 'The Paddocks', adjoining the old Derby Market and on 8th October saw the first Foal Stakes Champion in 'Royston Oxo' for Mr Charlie Etches. Still enjoying the support of the Derby Market Auctions, the show moved indoors to 'Hazlewood' in 1967 where it stayed until 1979 apart from in 1972 where it moved for one year only to Derby New Market. In 1979 the show moved to Bingley Hall until 1987 where it moved to its current location of Marchington. Now the show encourages the younger generation of showmen. The Midland Foal Show holds the final for the Young Handler of the Year award, proving very successful in encouraging youngsters to get a taste of the show ring.
Today the Midland Shire Foal Show and Sale still continues with the same ambitions and aspiration to promote the Shire Horse and in particular the young stock. And still with an eye to the future the society looks in very fine shape and is in very capable hands.
Everyone involved with running the show is looking forward to show number 53 on 22nd September 2011, and we are sure that you are too!