Known as the gentle giants of the equine world, Clydesdale horses have origins dating back to the 18th century, and their name derives from the Clyde Valley region surrounding Lanarkshire.
Not too far from their initial stomping ground among the roaming hills of Penicuik lies the world-renowned home of Peggyslea Clydesdales, run by mother-and-daughter duo Annette and Ailsa Noble, who are no strangers to the show ring having performed in driven, ridden and in-hand classes with their 12 Clydesdales.
Making the most of the fast-paced show season, they travel the length and breadth of the country to showcase what these magnificent horses have to offer.
They travel to a whole heap of shows each year, including Fife, Perth, New Forest, Suffolk, Horse of the Year Show, and the Great Yorkshire to name but a few.
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With next week’s Royal Highland Show just around the corner, training is in full swing too. The driven classes are Peggylea’s speciality, with formations of single dray, pairs, unicorns, fours, and sixes.
Annette and Ailsa certainly have their work cut out for them but with assistance from full-time head groom Tyla Brown and visits from Alisa’s boyfriend Chris Warden, when he’s not in the States working for Budweiser Clydesdales, the experts lead the way in their field.
Of course, the history of these horses runs through Annette’s blood, with her father Hugh Ramsay having founded the famous Millisle Clydesdales in Garlieston, Newton Stewart.
Annette said: “I grew up on the family dairy farm, where my father would carry out tasks including ploughing, sowing, and harvesting entirely with his wealth of horsemanship and Clydesdales. He later received an MBE for preservation of the breed in 2015.”
This talent does not go unnoticed as bloodlines from the Peggyslea herd have been exported worldwide, including two stallions which were born and bred at Peggyslea, named Millisle Garlieston and Millisle Explorer, taking residence in Australia around 13 years ago. Other horses have travelled to join the Budweiser Clydesdales and to new homes in Canada. Annette’s sister Elaine has now taken over the reins from their father, creating a friendly rivalry as the sisters occasionally compete in the same ring.
When asked what makes the Clydesdale breed so special, Ailsa replied: “The temperament and nature, topped with the elegance, makes these versatile horses so magnificent. You can do so much with one horse.”
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Annette moved to Penicuik 35 years ago to live with her husband Colin. Their son Colin, twin to Ailsa, also shares a passion for mechanical horsepower like his father.
Annette moved to the 100-acre holding with just one Clydesdale named Jess. Over the years, Peggyslea has been shaped into what it is today.
These horses have proven their worth, with the golden boy Andrew, a 13-year-old gelding out of Ingleston Princess and sired by Millisle Solway Bay, impressing the judges at The Royal Highland Show after winning the male championship at the Ingliston event 10 years ago.
Throughout his career he won the ridden Clydesdale three times at the Highland, and he is now enjoying a well-earned retirement. Monte, aged three and also a gelding, followed suit most recently, bringing home the reserve male honours from the same show last year. Additional success at Ingliston last year included a second place with a team of four and fourth with a team of six horses.
“When selecting a horse, we look for a nice flat bone with closeness of their hind legs, straight front legs, and a spirit about them,” Annette said.
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Clydesdale Experience and B&B
Since 2021, Peggyslea has opened its doors to the public, allowing people from all walks of life to experience this native Scottish breed up close.
Ailsa explained: “We offer access to a whole host of activities including grooming and carriage driving with the opportunity to drive the cart yourself, followed by afternoon tea and optional prosecco.
“We only bring in one booking at a time to allow a more personal experience, so customers can feel free to ask as many questions as they like and not feel rushed.
“It’s great to see that we have such a wide-ranging customer base, from young children and families to couples and older generations. It’s wonderful to allow them to experience and learn about the Clydesdale breed.”
In addition to the Clydesdales, there is also a selection of goats, alpacas, and hens for visitors to meet and greet. In the run-up to Easter and over the Christmas period, event weekends are also put on to attract visitors.
This year’s four-day Easter extravaganza brought in more than 1100 visitors. Activities included feeding pet lambs, face painting, Easter egg hunting, and carriage rides.
“We were incredibly grateful for family and friends offering to help these events run smoothly,” added Annette.
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If that wasn’t enough to keep Annette and Ailsa on their toes, in 2007, Annette opted to diversify the family business to include a B&B.
Situated in an ideal catchment area for guests looking to visit Edinburgh or for those passing through as they discover Scotland, the property now boasts five spacious bedrooms complete with en-suites, which are open all year round.
Both Annette and Ailsa provide a very hands-on approach, catering to their guests with breakfast including locally-sourced produce from a local butcher and fresh farm eggs.
There is also stable accommodation available with access to a floodlit arena.
Annette added: “We have plans in the near future to begin developing an exciting project which includes the addition of holiday lodges featuring hot tubs, and we would like to add access to the chicken pen for guests to collect their own free-range eggs in the mornings.”
Prices start from £65 per night for a single occupant and lead to £150 for a family of four.
Clydesdale Experience – per day
Adult 16+ £70
Children 6+ £35
Family package (two adults/ two children) £120.
Get in touch
Email: peggysleaclydesdales@gmail.com
Phone: 07584252122
Clydesdale Experience: www.peggysleaclydesdales.co.uk
Facebook: Peggyslea Clydesdales
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