0:00:02 > 0:00:03Across the country,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07thousands of farming families work tirelessly around the clock.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Stop arguing, girls. Give over.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14WHISTLE
0:00:14 > 0:00:16But there's one day each year
0:00:16 > 0:00:19when they get to leave the daily routine behind.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Right, here we come, Dorset.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24These are show days.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26'A very, very warm welcome to the show.'
0:00:26 > 0:00:29..when they come together as a community
0:00:29 > 0:00:33to showcase the fruits of their labour.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35I just love showing my girls off.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39And try to win prizes for their breed champions.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Smashed it.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43And award-winning produce.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45That's really nice cheese, that.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48It was very good, darling.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50There will be highs...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52That's what we want to see.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53Red. Red is the best!
0:00:53 > 0:00:55..and lows.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57She's not happy enough to go.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02For the dedicated farmers who give everything to walk away a champion.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04Fingers crossed!
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Horses are one of man's longest-working partners.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20For thousands of years, they've toiled the land together,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23creating Britain's iconic patchwork of fields.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Good boy. OK.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29In the modern world, where machinery has virtually replaced them,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32we're meeting two families who work hard
0:01:32 > 0:01:35to keep this traditional farming method alive.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Go on. Good boy.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43Robert and Barbara Sampson, and Dan and Jess Brown,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45are both preparing to compete in one of the
0:01:45 > 0:01:48country's largest heavy-horse ploughing competitions.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Away. Hold fast.
0:01:50 > 0:01:51Jethro!
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Winning here will continue to build their reputation -
0:01:55 > 0:01:59all important if they want to keep this dying skill alive.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Hampshire's New Forest is known for its wild ponies
0:02:11 > 0:02:13and magnificent ancient woodlands.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20It's also been home for over 100 years
0:02:20 > 0:02:22to Robert and Barbara's farming family.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Come on. Do you want to go and see, Poppy?
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Right, come on, boys! Yeah, you, Norman. Come on!
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Just like their great-grandparents,
0:02:35 > 0:02:40Robert and Barbara still use heavy horses to work their 240-acre farm,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42where they produce hay for feed,
0:02:42 > 0:02:46rear cattle and breed and train horses.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Hello, Norman. Hello.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52We actually haven't got any machinery
0:02:52 > 0:02:55that needs a little engine to power it.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58You're not supposed to be eating that bit.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Originally, my father and grandfather
0:03:00 > 0:03:04and all before would have had Shire, or Shire types.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Very nice teeth. Very nice teeth.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20The early 20th century saw a rapid decline of horsepower,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23as thousands were commandeered for the Great War.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26So farmers were forced into mechanisation.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33In the '50s, Robert's father decided to continue using horsepower.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36He brought in the French breed Percheron,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39as they're very sturdy and they don't need to be stabled.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Perfect for the British countryside.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Both now in their 60s,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51these fifth-generation farmers still work the land themselves,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55with the help of their 40 horses, of course.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- They all look fine, don't they? - Yeah.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Yeah, everything's the right way up.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05These are Percheron and Percheron crosses.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07So, they're all by Percheron stallions
0:04:07 > 0:04:10and we've got four full-breds, so that's Percheron both sides.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Then, the small one there is Percheron stallion
0:04:14 > 0:04:17out of a New Forest mare.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Hello, you still here? He says, "Yes, I'm still here."
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- Hello, Budapest.- Hello, Budapest.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Isn't she pretty?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Right, now come here.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36We use the horses for the jobs which they're most useful at.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41These horses do everything - move the hay, plough the fields,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43feed the animals.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46This means that all of the equipment has to be adapted
0:04:46 > 0:04:49to work with horsepower, instead of machines.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Right, there you are.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53One loaded bale of hay.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59We never use machinery to feed.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02That means you can go into a field with a really heavy bale
0:05:02 > 0:05:05and you just don't make the mess on the floor
0:05:05 > 0:05:07that you would if you were taking a tractor or...
0:05:07 > 0:05:09We don't cut the gateways up.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18His love for traditional farming means Robert wants to find ways
0:05:18 > 0:05:23of keeping it going, and encouraging others to go back to this method.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Fine, if you want, Norman.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29So, Robert has begun to breed the Percherons
0:05:29 > 0:05:32and trains them up slowly by taking the young horses
0:05:32 > 0:05:34to work in the fields.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36There's lots to teach them.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43In order to plough, your right-hand horse walks in the furrow,
0:05:43 > 0:05:47so it's much easier just to drive round a couple of times
0:05:47 > 0:05:49so they get used to walking in the furrow.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Not up there, in it.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55And usually, twice round and they've got the idea.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57It just saves an awful lot of swearing
0:05:57 > 0:05:58when you try to plough with them.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Come on, then. Come on, boys.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07It's very labour-intensive, running a farm in this traditional way,
0:06:07 > 0:06:11so Barbara has found a method to make it work.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- Robert does everything, and I do as little as I can.- Yeah!
0:06:18 > 0:06:19Come on, then!
0:06:19 > 0:06:22A lot of people think that Barbara's the boss, which she is...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- She is, providing I agree! - I'm actually not, I honestly ...
0:06:25 > 0:06:29I just do exactly what I'm told all the time.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Barbara sees to the office work,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- which occupies an awful lot of her time.- I do.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- That and childminding, with all the grandchildren.- Yeah.
0:06:47 > 0:06:5185 miles away, in the Surrey Hills, is a different kind of horse family.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55There are no fifth-generation farmers here.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Instead, horse trainer Dan, and former teaching assistant Jess,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02have been living their country dream for over 20 years.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13So, when we bought this field,
0:07:13 > 0:07:16we fell in love with the yearling that was kept in the field
0:07:16 > 0:07:19opposite our gate, and from there we never looked back, really.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23It all began with sort of stroking a long nose over a gate.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Falling in love with heavy horses
0:07:29 > 0:07:32opened up a whole new world to them.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Soon, they were attending all the local farming shows.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38We went to a spring working, that was the start of...
0:07:38 > 0:07:41You know, people were harrowing, ploughing, rolling.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44And we were seeing people just turning up in cattle trucks.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46You know, it was just farming people
0:07:46 > 0:07:49and we thought, "These are our people".
0:07:59 > 0:08:03But keeping horses isn't cheap, so the couple started a business,
0:08:03 > 0:08:08training them up for the land, as well as a sideline in livery.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11OK, walk on. Good, pony.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Go on. On you go.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16They've also started to put them to work
0:08:16 > 0:08:18in all sorts of enterprising ways.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20We have varied jobs.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24We do a fair bit of timber work through the winter,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28we give carriage driving lessons, to people that come in.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32We ride them, we go out and do a bit of paddock maintenance.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35And all these little jobs fill the gaps
0:08:35 > 0:08:38to make enough for us to earn a crust, you know.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44Jess, along with daughter Naomi, is preparing for their workload ahead.
0:08:44 > 0:08:51This is Eddie. He's going to pull a wagon at a funeral today.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54And like the other farm,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Jess has her theory about how the workload is split.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Dan's very good at teaching people with the horses
0:09:02 > 0:09:04and there's a very clear demarcation.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I tend to sort of do the morning feeding
0:09:07 > 0:09:09and tidying up a bit more than you do.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11We're not sure who's in charge!
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Do you love him?
0:09:15 > 0:09:17You do, don't you?
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Meanwhile, across the county border in Hampshire,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Robert is getting on with the day's feeding.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Stand still!
0:09:31 > 0:09:34They also find ways to bring in the money a challenge.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39This age-old way of working doesn't always mean a reliable return.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- We've never, ever had any money. - Very much a hand-to-mouth existence.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47But we enjoy very much what we do.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51Get up, boys.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Whoa. Whoa.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Not exactly what I wanted.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13Thankfully, this farm has another highly-skilled arm to its business.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17These are Robert and Barbara's sons, and they're both farriers,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20fitters of horseshoes to the animals.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23The thing is with the farm, on its own,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25couldn't support the number of people
0:10:25 > 0:10:27that live here and exist on it.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31So it seemed to make sense to go into farriering.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I'm also a farrier and that was another thing
0:10:36 > 0:10:38that I learned from my father.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39When farming was really bleak,
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- it was shoeing horses that actually kept us here.- That kept us here.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46We've got two sons that have taken over that part of the business.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49This diversification has saved the farm,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52and possibly the brotherly bond, as well.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55I just got beaten up because I was youngest of four boys!
0:10:55 > 0:10:56I did the beating!
0:10:58 > 0:11:00That's why you're the rounded individual you are today.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Yeah, that's what he tells me.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04That's why I've got a nervous twitch!
0:11:10 > 0:11:14But the farm hasn't always been entirely horse powered.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17There was a period where machines found their way in.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20My great-grandfather...
0:11:20 > 0:11:21Hello!
0:11:21 > 0:11:24My great-grandfather bought a tractor in
0:11:24 > 0:11:26during the First World War
0:11:26 > 0:11:29because a lot of the horses had been requisitioned by the army
0:11:29 > 0:11:31for replacements.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33We've had a tractor ever since,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35but we've worked them in with the horses.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39It seems the reasoning for never swapping to tractors permanently
0:11:39 > 0:11:42has been lost through the generations.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Why has your family never...
0:11:44 > 0:11:47I don't know. I think... There are days when I wonder!
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Right, horse, that'll do.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52And there are other days where I think it's absolutely brilliant.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57I suppose you would.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I suppose you WOULD.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Dad has always worked horses.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05As a result, they've always been part of our lives.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Sort of resented it as kids though, didn't we?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Yeah, cold mornings doing the feeding in the winter with a horse,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13rather than a tractor, which would have been warmer and faster,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16but, you know, that's what Dad wanted us to do,
0:12:16 > 0:12:17and that's what we did.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Nowadays, breeding, training and selling of heavy horses
0:12:24 > 0:12:26is a large part of the farm's life.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29But it isn't always a straightforward job.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32The more awkward ones... I mean, Diamond here,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34she's not the most helpful creature that was ever put on hooves.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36She can be an awkward old bag.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38This is always the thing with training them.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41I'm a great believer in training them as two-year-olds,
0:12:41 > 0:12:43when they're malleable, you can,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45you can form them into what you want.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49Rather than an older horse that's set in its ways
0:12:49 > 0:12:51because it enjoys being out in the field, being a horse.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53It doesn't really see
0:12:53 > 0:12:56why it should have to go and do what I ask it to do.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57Whoa!
0:13:00 > 0:13:01Right.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05It's not what we require of you, so get back where I left you.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06Get back!
0:13:06 > 0:13:08They can do a day's work, no trouble at all.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12They're all fit, able, and there isn't a single one on the farm,
0:13:12 > 0:13:16bar a couple of old brood mares, that doesn't have a job.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Despite all their detailed training,
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Robert's horses often find themselves
0:13:23 > 0:13:27more as ornamental workhorses than the real thing.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Most of the horses we sell are basically people...
0:13:31 > 0:13:33It's going to be a leisure...
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Even if they're going to do a little bit of work on the field
0:13:37 > 0:13:41that they rent, or own, it is mostly that they want to own a horse.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Back in the Surrey hills,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Dan and Jess are also making the most of their magnificent horses
0:13:56 > 0:13:59and it's not all serious work.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05The family have a collection of historic and replica carriages
0:14:05 > 0:14:08and have tapped into the growing tourism industry
0:14:08 > 0:14:10around these picturesque hills.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Surrey hills is very close to London
0:14:17 > 0:14:20and so we've picked up on the tourism side.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Some people might want to go on a picnic ride,
0:14:22 > 0:14:26some people might want to go for a pub ride, and that's quite good fun,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28because people are out to have fun, you know.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Good boy.- You've done well, Tookey. - Yeah, well done, Tookey.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33You're a star.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40The ride may be over, but Dan's working day isn't.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43He's needed to help out in another part of the hills.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49His son, Toby, is a tree surgeon,
0:14:49 > 0:14:54and being able to extract old timber without the aid of heavy machinery
0:14:54 > 0:14:56is an environmental victory -
0:14:56 > 0:14:58something that's important to this family.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15We can bring the horse in here and there's no impact on the ground.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18A nice, quiet way of working in the woods.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Well, apart from the chainsaw, obviously.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23OK, fella. Walk on. Go on.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Good, lad. Go on.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29These heavy horses are so ideal for working the landscape
0:15:29 > 0:15:31without damaging it,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34that Dan and Jess are finding demand is growing.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Excellent news for their farm's survival
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and the preservation of traditional farming methods.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43We've done some bracken control for somebody who had a little bit
0:15:43 > 0:15:45of woodland in their back garden,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49that you might not get a big tractor across the lawn and into their woods
0:15:49 > 0:15:50at the back of their house.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52A horse is ideal for going in
0:15:52 > 0:15:55and dealing with those sort of settings.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57In an age of technology,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00the uses of these animals seem limitless,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and finding ways to work with them
0:16:02 > 0:16:05is becoming a passion for both families.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Being able to show them off is essential for their future.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Back in Hampshire, preparations are underway for show day.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22Good boys.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25No, I don't want to be rubbed into, Norman.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Fred will be competing in the ploughing competition,
0:16:28 > 0:16:33but he's not a confident plougher, and wants to get some practice in.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Fred's going to plough with the pair and he's going to use
0:16:35 > 0:16:38our three-year-old stallion with a three-year-old gelding,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41so we've got to try them out, because these are young horses.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44They've not actually done any ploughing.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45Get on, Norse. Giddy up.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Good boy.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49This way. Where you going? This way.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50Come on.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54With the show only a day away,
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Fred needs to get his two horses to walk a straight line
0:16:58 > 0:17:00if they're going to walk away with a prize.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02I think he's going to take them driving.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Ploughing is a team effort,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08but in this case, who's actually in control?
0:17:08 > 0:17:10The handler, or the horse?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Stop it!
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Right, OK?- Yeah. Come on.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Norman. Norse! Norse! Get on with it!
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Good boys.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Seems it's the handler.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26The control you have over them is a very thin veneer.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- The clever bit is not letting them know that.- Whoa!
0:17:29 > 0:17:30Whoa. Norman!
0:17:32 > 0:17:35But it's the actually the horses that have the upper hand.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Fortunately, Robert is a lifelong horse whisperer.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43HE MUTTERS INAUDIBLY
0:17:45 > 0:17:46A bit deeper?
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Yeah, I'd do something about that. That's a bit annoying.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54No, don't give them too much on that one, I wouldn't.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55Really? What, anything at all?
0:17:55 > 0:17:59Probably not. Try it a yard with what you've altered.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01All right.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02Hold fast! Hold fast! Good boys.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06And they're off again.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Go on, get on with it, boys.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Walk in a straight line!
0:18:12 > 0:18:13It's quite stressful, ploughing.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Stop!
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Now he's kicking out of that.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23When it goes right, it's lovely. Really, really enjoyable.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26When it goes wrong, it is the most stressful thing in the whole world.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- It goes from being ploughing to rowing.- Yeah.
0:18:28 > 0:18:29Come round.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Come round. Whoa. Whoa!
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Whoa. Whoa!
0:18:34 > 0:18:36BLEEP
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- That's you!- Things can go really badly wrong, yeah.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41There are occasions.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I mean, the horses decide they're not going to go
0:18:43 > 0:18:45and there's not much you can do about it!
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- Get on with it.- Norse! Norman! Norman's holding back now.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- You see?- Norman!
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Go on.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Good boys. That's it, Norse.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58That's it. Keep going. Norse, get on with it.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Good boy.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Finally, Fred's confidence is building with these new horses.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07It seems practice does make perfect.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08- Norman...- Norman, get in.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Good boy. Good boy.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13That's the man!
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Considering that's the first they've done ploughing,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I'm not displeased with them.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Pull him round. Pull him round. That's it.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23This is important for Robert.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Doing well at the show will help the business.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29I often take four, or maybe six horses.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30So, you know, larger teams.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32And it is a good thing.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- It's...- Highers your profile.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Yeah.- Raises your profile.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Raises my profile.- Or whatever you say.- Yes.- If it needed raising.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Back in Surrey, Dan is getting ready to set off for the show.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53He may have less experience than horse whisperer Robert,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57but his enthusiasm for his beautiful team knows no bounds.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00OK. Come on, let's go.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04This year at the plough match, I'm going to take OB, who's a Suffolk,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06and Rita, who's a Comtois.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09So it's a sort of French-English team.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Entente cordiale, hopefully!
0:20:11 > 0:20:14So I don't know if she's even ploughed, actually.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15So that will be interesting.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Hopefully we won't make complete fools of ourselves.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21That's the main aim, I think!
0:20:21 > 0:20:24We hope that we do all right, you know. So...
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Horses loaded, it's off to the show.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42In Hampshire, Fred is making the most of last-minute practice.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43Go on, in your furrow.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46With Robert's support, he continues into the evening
0:20:46 > 0:20:48before the light fades.
0:20:48 > 0:20:49Good boys.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Go on, get on. Norman!
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Norse, I didn't ask you to stop!
0:20:55 > 0:20:58When I want you to stop, you won't.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Today, the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association is setting up
0:21:13 > 0:21:16its annual ploughing competition in Surrey.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20It's being held in this empty and very muddy field.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Despite the weather,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24this should be a great opportunity
0:21:24 > 0:21:27for the heavy horse community to come together
0:21:27 > 0:21:30and show off their traditional skills.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38But the heavens have opened up, and the rain won't stop.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Remind me why we're doing it?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42I'm not sure!
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- Got no idea.- Seemed like a good idea at the time!
0:21:50 > 0:21:52The field is so waterlogged
0:21:52 > 0:21:55that everyone has to pull together to get the trucks in.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05But nothing puts off these horsemen.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08I'm all right. But, you know, I don't know about everybody else.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11I'm just going to be in the lorry all day, so I'll be fine.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Actually, it's going to stop raining in a minute.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- I promise, it's going to stop. - It'll clear up and be lovely.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24We did try and give this tail a quick shampoo before we left,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28but it all seems a bit meaningless in this weather.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- I can always blame the conditions! - Yeah.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Even in good weather, ploughing competitions are like no other.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Each ploughman is allocated an equal-sized plot,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44740-square metres to be exact,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48and they have to have it all ploughed by three o'clock sharp.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51The winner will be the farmer who ploughs straightest
0:22:51 > 0:22:54and at the perfect depth.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Today's judges are John Goodwin and Peter Bundock,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00both experienced farmers and ploughmen.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04I started with plough horses and doing ploughing,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06as you can see what happens today.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07I was quite a good ploughman.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11So I think I'm equipped to judge, yes.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15There may only be 35 teams today, but the competition is still fierce
0:23:15 > 0:23:18for the small group of determined traditional farmers.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25With horses all hitched,
0:23:25 > 0:23:31it's time for Robert to make his grand entrance with his team of six.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Right, contact, chocks away! - Hold fast.- Jethro!
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- Straight out by that little horse. Mum! Mum!- Pay attention, wifey!
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Well, I thought he was going to go that way.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- No, he's going down... - I've got to go where I can get out.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46WHISTLING
0:23:46 > 0:23:48I think he's mad!
0:23:48 > 0:23:51No... I think he's OK!
0:23:54 > 0:23:57The ploughmen are divided into classes
0:23:57 > 0:23:59based on their level of experience.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04For today's competition, veteran Robert is in a class of his own.
0:24:04 > 0:24:05Quite literally.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09He's gone on to ploughing on a ride-on plough,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12so there's nobody else in his class, so he doesn't have to worry about...
0:24:12 > 0:24:15There's no... I am... I am in a class of my own.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18I'm not on my own in a class.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21I have every confidence.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25He's not quiet. There's nothing quietly confident about Robert!
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Expectation is everything. And I expect it to go well.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31I won't be paddling about in the mud because I've got a seat.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Whoa! Nobody asked you to move any more than that.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37But, alone or not,
0:24:37 > 0:24:43Robert will still have to perfectly plough his plot.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49With two horses and a hand-held plough,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52the less-experienced Dan is competing in the novice class.
0:24:56 > 0:24:57Whoa!
0:24:57 > 0:25:02And the ever-helpful Jess will be lending a hand.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Weather's good now. Hopefully it will stay like this for the day
0:25:05 > 0:25:07and the horses seem settled at the moment.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- Once it's started, I'll be happy, really.- Yeah.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17As the sun begins to shine, crowds start to gather.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18The teams are in position.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22First challenge is to plough their opening fallow.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Whoa!
0:25:26 > 0:25:28OK, together, walk on.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32And they're off.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Robert's experience and skill means he's already making light work
0:25:38 > 0:25:40of his first line.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Bill, will you listen?!
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Now he has to wait for the judges to inspect before he can continue
0:25:46 > 0:25:48to plough his whole section.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51That's his opening. Now he's got to go round it.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53I think. Do you think that's right?
0:25:54 > 0:25:56I've been watching for 36 years,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58you'd think I'd know by now, wouldn't you?
0:26:00 > 0:26:04Judges John and Peter step in to take a closer look.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08First part of the ploughing, it should be well cut and straight.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12At the moment, we're not really seeing many straight ones.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17As Robert's efforts are being judged,
0:26:17 > 0:26:20it gives him a moment to help his son, Fred, to get underway.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Fred's also competing in today's novice class.
0:26:24 > 0:26:30And it seems the young horses Norman and Norse are testing Fred's mettle.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31What are you doing?
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Right, Norman! Whoa.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Norse! You giblet head!
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Norse, being a stallion, is a bit excited
0:26:39 > 0:26:41cos there's lots of other horses about here.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44So let's not make things too easy for Fred.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47I was a bit worried at the beginning of the week.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Put them on and it didn't go nicely.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51Everything went a bit bad.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Now I've come to the realisation that I do what I can.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I've got young horses, I can't really plough the best.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00So I'll just have to see how I get on.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Come on, boy. Hold fast, Norse!
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Whoa.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Not deep enough?- Don't think so.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- No, that's fine.- Yeah? All right.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Norse, come on, hold fast.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19No, don't you blow snot over me.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21But even the most experienced horseman
0:27:21 > 0:27:24can't be guaranteed a good day's ploughing.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28It all depends on these horses in front of you.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32If they do their job lovely, makes this job easier.
0:27:32 > 0:27:33Whoa. Right!
0:27:33 > 0:27:35We're not having any of that out of you.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37We're having a bit of trouble.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40He's seen those blasted show horses over there.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44They give you a hard time during the day,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46you'll be sweating and it'll be very hard.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49It's a team between you and your horses.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52If they're going lovely, it's the best feeling in the world.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54If they're going wrong, it's the worst.
0:27:57 > 0:28:02Despite the early onset of nerves, Fred completes his opening furrow.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Chuffed with that. Yeah.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Pretty straight. It's mine to lose!
0:28:08 > 0:28:10I put the pressure right on.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16A seemingly confident start, but it's for the judges to decide.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19I'm looking to see straightness and well cut.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21This is slightly shallow.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25So, he'll lose marks because it's slightly shallow.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28And he'll also lose marks because it's not straight.
0:28:30 > 0:28:31So, we...
0:28:31 > 0:28:36I would say that's probably about five or six, would you?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Five?- Yeah... I'd have thought four myself.- OK.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46It seems that Fred isn't the only horseman
0:28:46 > 0:28:48struggling to keep a straight line.
0:28:48 > 0:28:53His rival and fellow novice, Dan, is also having teething problems.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Whoa. Whoa, whoa.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Stay.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58No, it's all right.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02A few little wobbly bits, but it's a start.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Let's try and square it up a bit more.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06The judges are kind in this competition.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09If you don't like your opening furrow,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12the rules generously allow you to go over it again.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16So Dan's taking the opportunity to iron out those kinks and bumps.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- Now?- Yeah, OK, up together.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21A little way.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Keep them towards you, Jess.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24- That's it.- Rita!
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Rita! Walk on. Good girl.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Run straight through that. Don't follow it.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- Walk on, walk on.- Go on.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Up, up. We're going a bit deep now, but never mind.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41But Dan's decision to straighten the furrow hasn't gone to plan.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45See, they absolutely followed that kink in it.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50And it's starting to attract attention.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Don't look, don't look!
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Oh, God.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55Trying hard, isn't he?
0:29:57 > 0:29:59That's right.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00We've just done our opening.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Which we could keep tweaking away on,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06but we're just going to leave it as it is - we could make it worse.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08Let the judges have a look at that.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10They have to judge that before we can carry on.
0:30:10 > 0:30:11It could be a lot better, yeah.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15But it's, you know, it's in the same field and...
0:30:17 > 0:30:20But judges John and Peter can see straightaway
0:30:20 > 0:30:22where Dan has been struggling.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24This is a small, tight-knit farming community
0:30:24 > 0:30:29and they have no issue with offering some much-needed help.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Right, you want to be somewhere about there.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32So bring that right back.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35You're not going to charge me for this advice, are you?
0:30:35 > 0:30:37No, no, no, no. So it comes out.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38- That's it.- Whoa, whoa, whoa. OK.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- Tighten the top.- Tighten the top. - Tighten the top, loosen the bottom.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44That's it. Just let it come out a touch.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Just bring your horses round.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Just try it and see what it does.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50OK. Together.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Dan has furrowed too deeply,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55but with a few plough adjustments and some friendly advice,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57he gets back on track.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02They're the future of this game and if we, with our experience,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05don't teach them, they'll never learn.
0:31:05 > 0:31:06Walk on.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Hold your handles. That's better.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14Now you're getting there.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18It seems a simple tweak can do wonders.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Looking down now, I've just given him a couple of tips,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23it's already made quite a big difference.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29Men, and some women, have been standing in fields
0:31:29 > 0:31:32watching ploughs go head-to-head since the early 1800s
0:31:32 > 0:31:37and this competition continues to support a time-honoured tradition.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41The association is the oldest association in the country.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44We started off as a ploughing organisation
0:31:44 > 0:31:47to encourage people to continue ploughing.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51We put it on each year to keep the tradition alive,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54so that everyone who has a heavy horse in the UK
0:31:54 > 0:31:58has somewhere to contest their ploughing,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02and it draws in the local people to actually realise
0:32:02 > 0:32:06that these heavy giants are still working.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09And, whilst traditional farming has diminished over the years,
0:32:09 > 0:32:13the passion for competition certainly hasn't.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16It's been phenomenal. Yeah. It's absolutely...
0:32:16 > 0:32:19The rains this morning, I thought, wow!
0:32:19 > 0:32:22But the public has turned out, the horsemen have turned out,
0:32:22 > 0:32:24it has been a fantastic day.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Back in our field, today's competition is well underway.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32It's best foot forward,
0:32:32 > 0:32:36as the teams are fired up to get all of their plot ploughed.
0:32:36 > 0:32:37Up step. Up step.
0:32:39 > 0:32:40Oh, sorry, Will!
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Whoa! That's it, good girl.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Go on, George. Good boy. Good man.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Walk on. Walk on, Rita.
0:32:56 > 0:32:57Whoa!
0:33:03 > 0:33:06There's another set of judges here today.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10Will and Anne Williams will watch the handlers and the horses,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13rather than the earth beneath them.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15We'll be judging best working team,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19which, to Will and I, is the most important
0:33:19 > 0:33:23because we've worked horses for many years.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26I mean, the way Robert's horses are going today,
0:33:26 > 0:33:32um, that... I'm being besieged by a wasp now!
0:33:32 > 0:33:34He's doing it on his own.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39You need to be able to just go out to the field and work the horse.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42And in his case, work six.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44I think. Yeah.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48With half the ploughing time still to go,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Robert's almost completed his whole plot.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Walk on, George, good boy.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58But, as the finishing line approaches,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00everything comes to a standstill.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Now, I don't know what you lot think you're doing over there,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04but I don't want you there. Get over.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Come on. You old cow, get over!
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Not that much, you stupid thing!
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Dear, oh, dear. Made a mess of that.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17Time for the horse whisperer to work his magic.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Right, without moving, step back.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Get back!
0:34:23 > 0:34:24Get over. Come on.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Move. Come on, get over.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28Good boys.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30George, that includes you!
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Whoa! Right, up past!
0:34:36 > 0:34:37Jethro!
0:34:38 > 0:34:40And he's done it.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45Whoa!
0:34:46 > 0:34:49Little bit of a malfunction coming up there,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51but it doesn't look too bad from this end.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I'm not sure. There's a bit of a bend in it, but I couldn't help it.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57The old boys will say I'll be able to catch a hare there,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59because it'll break its neck going round the corner!
0:34:59 > 0:35:02But it's all up to the judges now.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06Even a great ploughman faces harsh scrutiny.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09If we don't think the standard is high enough,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11or good enough to get that first prize,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14we've got the right to say, and refuse it,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17and say "Look, sorry, that standard wasn't good enough.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20"All you've done is, well, made a mess."
0:35:20 > 0:35:22What we're looking for now is a finish.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25It should be straight, not too deep.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28His depth is pretty good, but it's not very straight.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30It's a lot harder with the plough he's using.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33But he's done a reasonable job, to be honest.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Dan's three-quarters of the way through his plot,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50but when you're guiding a big lump of metal,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53you need to have the stamina to get to the end.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58Luckily, there's a few words of encouragement to help him along.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01You are better. You are better, darling.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03It's definitely an improvement.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07In the neighbouring plot...
0:36:07 > 0:36:09Go on, good boy.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Fred is also feeling the strain of the day.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Yeah. You can't... That bit of a kink, I wouldn't worry about that.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18I've got a snaky finish, so you should have one, as well.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20I probably should straighten it up,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23but then I'd have a better finish than him and he won't let me do it!
0:36:23 > 0:36:25That's not true. That's not true.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Both novices are almost there.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Go on, go on!
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Go on, go on, go on!
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Go on, go on.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47That's it. We're done.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- Sprint-finish ploughing. - Yeah. They did their bit.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Yeah. It's all right. No, I'm happy with that.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Whether it's a first, or a last, I don't know.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59OK, together.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04It's not over until the judges take a careful look at their hard work.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Oh, dear, dear, dear, dear.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- He's got too much left.- Bit too deep and he's got too much...
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- Left.- Really could have done with going round again, couldn't he?
0:37:14 > 0:37:16That's right, yeah.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19It should be dead straight so a rabbit could run in a straight line
0:37:19 > 0:37:22up it. Well, it'd break a leg running down there.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24That's the problem. So...
0:37:24 > 0:37:28I'm afraid this competitor won't get great points for his finish.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35And soon after, Fred also crosses the finish line.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36Not bad at all, Fred.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39A little bit of a wander, but don't worry about that.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43It's not the straightest, but two babies, I'm not very good ploughing,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46so all in all, it's gone pretty well.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51Yeah, it's in their hands now, so I've done all I can.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Just not straight enough, that's the only problem.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58He's still got a chance of winning this.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04But it's not all about the ploughing today.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07The show is an excellent opportunity
0:38:07 > 0:38:12for horses to display their finest attire - braiding and brasses.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Originally, they think the horse brass came over with the Romans.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21But really it was in Victorian time that they became more accessible.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26Decorative horse brasses have become collectors' items,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29and have even attracted some royal custom.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32We made some horse brasses for Prince Charles.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34He had a couple of Suffolks on his farm,
0:38:34 > 0:38:38and we've done a commemorative one for the Queen's 90th birthday.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41The shiny brasses are still used today
0:38:41 > 0:38:44to adorn the majestic working horses in the field.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47The farmers like them and they were always very proud of their horses,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50and they liked to put the best of the best on them
0:38:50 > 0:38:54for a day out, or at local ploughing matches, much as they are today.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56It's just to bling up the horses.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59And, men being men, the more bling they can put on them,
0:38:59 > 0:39:00the better they look.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10After a long, exhausting day,
0:39:10 > 0:39:15the 35 teams gather together to discover their fate.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Robert Samson's team coming through.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Lovely to see them, Robert Samson coming in, riding.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29The world of the heavy horses, one very special place.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Everyone's here, and the judges can begin to announce.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37Winning is about sealing the farmer's reputation.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43The first award will be for the ride-on ploughers.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Right, we're going to start off with...
0:39:45 > 0:39:49And this is class two, the two thoroughfares, was Robert Samson.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51APPLAUSE
0:39:51 > 0:39:53And Robert's cracked it.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Thank you very much indeed, Robert.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00And can add another rosette to his collection.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03As we're announcing, get through as quick as you can.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05To get your rosettes, if you would.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Next up is the novice class.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Fred and Dan have both given it their all.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Novice class...
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Can Fred clinch a win like his dad?
0:40:16 > 0:40:19And has Dan done enough?
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Second place was Daniel Brown.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- Thank you very much. Thank you. - It worked, didn't it?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29And first place was Fred Sampson.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31APPLAUSE
0:40:35 > 0:40:36No longer a novice!
0:40:39 > 0:40:42It's a boost for Fred's confidence.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45'Single plough.'
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Both these novice ploughmen have done well,
0:40:50 > 0:40:52but there's one more prize to go.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56Right, next we've got the best working team.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58And that was Robert Samson.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00- What?- Well done, Dad!
0:41:00 > 0:41:03What?! I've got to get off again?
0:41:03 > 0:41:07And the county's favourite horseman chalks up another win
0:41:07 > 0:41:09with his team of six.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10- Well done, Robert.- Thank you!
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It's rosettes all round.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20And time to reflect on a job well done.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Show your appreciation for all of them, ladies and gentlemen.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32These people are the future of the world of the heavy horse.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- Very good indeed.- Yeah. - Very good.- Yes.- Fred won.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39It does mean that I've got to go up into the big boy's leagues
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- and start fighting it out.- Is that true?- Can't go in the novice now.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Yeah, not a novice now. - Oh, no. That's a shame.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47We got a second.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50That Fred beat us, so that's all right.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54I'm really pleased with the horses.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- Yeah.- The result was good. The rain stopped.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59So, yeah, it's all a good day.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Good day, good day.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05In spite of the weather and the gruelling muddy fields...
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- Remind me why we're doing this? - I'm not sure!
0:42:08 > 0:42:11..our farmers ploughed on regardless.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Norse, come on, hold fast!
0:42:13 > 0:42:15No, don't you blow snot at me.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Proving that hard work and determination
0:42:18 > 0:42:21is what it takes to overcome the odds.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- Tighten the top.- Tighten the top, loosen the bottom.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Let it come out just a touch.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30You never stop learning, and setting up the plough is a fine art,
0:42:30 > 0:42:32and they're encouraging, which is great.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34That's better. Now you're getting there!
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- Dad won.- I got best team, and won.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- And you got the best team, that's true.- Yeah!- Most amazing.