Farm appeal to save ‘working class hero’ Clydesdale horses

Blackstone Farm Heavy Horse Riding Experience is currently in coronavirus lockdown and owners John and Magi Duncan like many others are struggling financially. Picture: John Devlin

They are known as “the horses that built Australia”, a once-prized breed that became synonymous with Scotland at its industrial peak.

Clydesdales, named after the Lanarkshire area where they originated in the early 1800s, have become an increasingly rare sight since mechanisation took hold in agriculture and vans replaced horse-drawn carts.

Now an Ayrshire farm that specialises in the powerful breed is appealing for help to maintain its herd during the coronavirus lockdown.

John and Magi Duncan, who own Blackstone Farm near Cumnock, have launched an online fundraising campaign to help meet the bills for their 30-strong group of heavy horses.

Blackstone farm is currently in coronavirus lockdown, with its herd of heavy horses left to graze

The herd is normally self-sufficient having become a tourist attraction since John first bought Magi a Clydesdale as a present in 2009, shortly after the death of her father.

The Duncans would usually be preparing in April for a busy summer season ahead when they would welcome visitors from around the world to East Ayrshire for the chance to ride on a Clydesdale and see how the horses are cared for.

Like many other small, tourist-reliant businesses across the country, Blackstone Farm is instead trying to make ends meet in the era of lockdown and social distancing.

“In 2010 we came up with a plan to open the farm to the public and make a small income to support the horses, but also to support the breed – we knew people would fall in love with them,” Magi told Scotland on Sunday.

“They are such a gentle breed. There’s not a selfish bone in their body. They put themselves in human hands and trust them.

“We are biased about Clydesdales, but they worked the land to keep us fed, and fought in wars to keep us safe.

“When you meet them, they just make you feel better. When someone meets one, they want to come back and see them again.