Simone with our sparky six year old, Royston, on the drive of the Library
Please join us in giving Simone Marshall a warm welcome to the Chawton House Library team!
Simone, who has joined us as our new Assistant Groom, will be helping Head Groom, Angie McLaren, to care for the five heavy horses kept at the Library – Summer, Speedy, Charlotte, Royston and Isaac. Simone has plenty of experience in horsemanship as her passion for horses lead her to spend the last 10 years volunteering with Suffolk Punches, another breed of heavy horse commonly used for farm work.
Speaking of her new post, Simone has said: “I am thrilled to be looking after these beautiful working animals with such unique personalities. I look forward to working with Angie to promote their welfare and further their training in traditional agricultural methods”.
Isaac getting used to his work harness
Simone will soon have the chance to put the horses’ skills to good use as they will be using them to chain harrow fields on the estate that have become overgrown with moss. The shires enable such maintenance to be carried out in an environmentally friendly way whilst educating visitors about our agricultural heritage.
Simone added: “I was fascinated to learn that members of the public can get involved in the training and care of the horses through a sponsorship programme. I am really keen to encourage more people to get closer to the horses I now care for”.
Whether it’s Charlotte, our grand dame of twenty years who likes to show who is boss, or our baby, three-year-old Isaac, who is a little bit goofy, any of the horses would greatly appreciate your support for the hard work they do at Chawton House Library. Find out more about our ‘Sponsor a Shire’ appeal here.