Ploughing Championship
Similar to all ploughing competitions, participants are scored based on the straightness and neatness of their furrows. Due to this, horse ploughing requires experience, skill, and patience to ensure that the horses retain a steady pace and enough power to meet the depth requirements for the furrows. The Hurstpierpoint and District Agricultural Association remain active with annual ploughing competitions taking place with different rules for horse and tractor ploughing. In 1963, Hurstpierpoint and District saw H. Victor Harvey take over as chairman alongside Brian Clement joining the committee. Interestingly, there is a 1963 Leyland Comet bearing Harvey's name with the number plate: 831WKL which can sometimes be seen in regional events.
Arthur W. Pearce
Arthur Pearce (1892-1975) was a highly skilled ploughman winning over 200 awards in his lifetime, a testament to his ability. Speaking with John Norwood, 1971, Pearce highlighted the importance of caring for his horses where he start preparations at 4 am so that they were ready. Overall, Pearce highlights the significance of the Hampshire dialect. tone of voice, and a light touch in contributing to his horse ploughing successes.
Inscription
Awarded to / Mr A. W. Pearce / Winner of the "Clayton Challenge Cup" / as Champion Horse Ploughman / 1963-1965 / Hurstpierpoint & District / Agricultural Association
