Erddig Shire horses set out on National Trust 'retirement' tour

Credit: National Trust Wales

Two Shire horses will set out on a 'retirement' tour in a bid to encourage people to visit National Trust sites.

Erddig’s most loved horses, Jerry and Claire will be visiting sites across Wales before putting their hooves up.

This will be the first time Jerry and Claire, who have been at Erddig for more than 10 years, have left the estate.

As part of their holiday preparations they have been having their hair plaited, teeth polished and hooves shod.

As part of their holiday preparations they have been having their hair plaited. Credit: National Trust Wales

Nearly at retirement, the working Shires aged 19 (66 in human years) and 15 (56 in human years) will be visiting Plas Newydd, Penrhyn Castle, Chirk Castle and Powis Castle to encourage visitors to follow in their hoof steps and start a tour of their own National Trust firsts this spring.

To help families plan their spring adventures, National Trust Wales has created a guide to spotting animals and wildlife with details on the likelihood to see them and where.

Jerry and Claire have been at the Erddig for 10 years. Credit: National Trust

Erddig is currently fundraising to raise £25,000 to buy two new horses to take over from Jerry and Claire, who will see the rest of their days out on the 1200 acre estate.