In Double Harness

Anglia Television documentary following noted Suffolk farriers and horse trainers R.J. & C.J. Clark.

David Richardson introduces Roger and Cherry Clark. Roger is a leading authority on heavy horses, Liveryman of the Company of Farriers and Chairman of Suffolk Horse Society. His wife Cheryl (Cherry) also a farrier, spends her time driving drays for adverts, and ‘breaking’ young horses. At their farm, we meet the “star” Suffolk Punches of the stud: Rupert, Courtier, Boxer and Duke. Sat at table, Roger notes he has always been around horses whereas Cherry's parents didn’t want her to enter the horse trade. Roger and his apprentices shoe horses. Cherry meanwhile ‘breaks in’ the horses and recounts the numerous injuries she has had doing the job. Local women ride horses taken in 'at livery' and a lady rides her hunter horse Black Fen Royalist, side-saddle. Cherry takes her novice horses out from the farm and trains them in traffic and long-reining. Apprentice Andrew Barker discusses learning to become a horseman at the farm. Andrew and Roger mount hay onto a horse drawn trailer. In the second half of the production, “Civic ceremonial and picturesque pageantry” as the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Norwich are transported to Norwich Cathedral by horse drawn carriage driven by Cherry. Farmhands and staff prepare for the Suffolk Show, shining brasses, cleaning horses. The horses are loaded onto lorries to be transported. Whilst driving the lorry to the Ipswich showground, Cherry discusses her ambitions for the event. At the show the Clarks braid their horses’ hair and adorn them with bows. In the ring Roger shows his prize Suffolk Punches, winning top prize. Show President Sir Joshua Rowley presents the trophy and rosette to the happy couple. Back at the farm Cherry's filly is ridden for the first time. Looking forward, the couple would like to see the traditions of heavy working horses continue.

Featured Buildings

Norwich Cathedral; Trinity Park Showground; Weylands Farm

Featured Events

Suffolk Show

Keywords

Heavy horses; Farmwork; Agriculture; Suffolk Punch

Other Places

Norwich; Ipswich

Background Information

Two series of "Country People" were broadcast by Anglia Television 1982 - 1983. Roger Clark died in May 2019 https://www.eadt.co.uk/business/farming/suffolk-show-2019-pays-tribute-to-farrier-and-horseman-1-6080485