County legend proves a hit in Haverhill on Suffolk Day

The flags were flying and the bells were ringing and Jasper, a magnificent Suffolk Punch horse, proved a popular attraction in Haverhill on Thursday, June 21.

The gelding came to town as part of the countywide celebration of Suffolk Day - and it turned out that he shared one big thing in common with one young visitor.

Haverhill Town Mayor, Tony Brown said: “I was very keen for Haverhill to be part of Suffolk Day and made contact with Nigel Oakley at Rede Hall Park Farm.

“Nigel agreed to bring one of his Suffolk Punch Horses to Haverhill.

“It was lovely to see the young children overcoming their fears and stroking Jasper and also to hear stories from those who remembered the breed working in the fields around the town.

“We must have had more than 200 people visit over the course of the afternoon.”

There was great excitement for one girl who attended. Evie Jennings asked how old Jasper was and when told that he was 13 tomorrow, she said that she was too!

The Suffolk Punch is an endangered breed with only 500 registered horses.

Anyone wishing to support the breed can become a member or friend of the Suffolk Horse Society who are working hard to ensure its survival.

Membership details are available from www.suffolkhorsesociety.org.uk

The Suffolk Day celebrations in Haverhill were organised by Haverhill Town Council as part of the Haverhill Festival.