BREEDERS of Suffolk’s native horse, the Suffolk Punch, are hoping to interest a new generation of people in the breed by introducing more horse and carriage events at shows.

The iconic Suffolk Punch, or Suffolk Horse as it is also known, remains an endangered breed with only around 500 animals registered with the Suffolk Horse Society.

Enthusiasts believe that without on-going interest in the heavy horse, its existence could be threatened in the future.

Past president of the society, Nigel Oakley, said: “The Suffolk Horse was bred specifically to pull the plough over heavy East Anglian soils and many of the public demonstrations we have traditionally done involve ploughing matches.

“But this is of less interest to younger people, so more recently we have featured carriage demonstrations where horses pull a wagon around an obstacle course. It’s fast and more exciting.” Mr Oakley was speaking ahead of the Suffolk Horse Society’s main fundraising event, the Suffolk Horse Spectacular and Country Fair, which is being held at the headquarters of the Animal Health Trust in Kentford near Newmarket on Sunday.

More than 50 Suffolk Horses are expected at the event with proceeds going to the society’s work supporting breeders.

Visit www.suffolkhorsesociety.org.uk for more information on the event.