| Where: | St Margaret's Hope, South Ronaldsay, Orkney at Hope Community School and the Sands O'Wright beach |
| When: | 3rd Saturday in August |
| Time: | Times vary- check Facebook link |
There are ploughing matches for horse and tractor at locations throughout the British Isles, but the event at St Margaret Hope is unique in that the miniature ploughs are powered by boys not horsepower. Horses are not forgotten, however; a competition for children in elaborate costumes involving straps and harness is an integral part of the custom, though the horse children don’t do any plough pulling. Many of the costumes are handed down through generations – look out for the ankle fringes representing the horses’ feathers (that’s the name for the hair above the hoof, in case you didn’t know!), horse brasses and ears. The “horses” are paraded led by the ploughboys after judges assess their costumes and performance. The ploughing takes place on the nearby beach; the handheld ploughs are used in a four-foot square plot and prizes are given for technique in 3 age groups with 45 minutes allowed for completion, and for the best kept ploughs. The ploughboys show remarkable dedication and skill, with plenty of experienced helpers on hand to advise and encourage.
Helpful Hints
In 2026 it should be on Saturday August 15th. As the Ploughing is on the beach, timing is dependent on the tide- usually the Horses are paraded first (often around 10 am) followed by the Ploughing, but in 2025 it had to be the other way around to fit in with the tides so the Ploughing was 11.30 and Parade 2pm.
The Ploughing is at Sands of Wright- there is parking at the beach and in a field adjacent which is opened for the event. The Parade of Horses is at Hope School and there is plenty of parking onsite and in the road outside.
Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067441121202
Thanks to Derek Bellerby for the archive photos!
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