Robinsons Brewery, the two-hundred year old family-run Stockport brewery, has announced they are taking on their first apprentice to work alongside their dedicated Shire Horse Team.
Shires have served Robinsons Brewery for over 100 years and are a familiar and much-loved part of Stockport heritage. The sight of the Robinsons Shires evokes happy memories of a bygone time – as well as encouraging new fans of their gentle giants.
In their heyday, before the arrival of the internal combustion engine, Robinsons Shires were in the main brewery yard working every day to deliver traditionally brewed ales to local inns and hostelries. However, their primary use was inter-brewery work: moving bottles and cases between Unicorn and Hempshaw Brook Breweries in the 1950’s.
The brewery’s horses now make guest appearances at shows, promotional events, pub openings as well as competing thanks to the work of the Shire Horse team in ensuring immaculate turnout, grooming and discipline for the much-loved animals. The team will now be joined by their first apprentice, 16-year-old Emily Worthington.
16-year old Emily Worthington is from a farming family in Nether Alderley, where she is the 12th generation of Worthington’s in Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley. She is also the 5th generation in the family to work with Shire horses on her father’s side. The connection does not end there, as her uncle on her mother’s side also owns the Shire Horse Centre near Tarporley, so Shires are definitely in her blood! Not only this, but Emily’s grandparents, uncles and second cousins on her mother’s side have all run Robinsons’ pubs over the years, so her family have formed strong connection with the brewery.
From a little girl, Emily has always helped her dad and grandad at horse shows and has shown in the young handlers’ classes in hand several times. Now she is older, she has been involved in foaling for her family and wants to continue to support Robinsons’ Breeding Programme, which was introduced in 2018 to preserve and promote the Shire Horse breed.
Helen Preece, Head Horseperson at Robinsons Brewery, said:
“I am very excited about Emily’s future within the Shire Horse team, she is very enthusiastic and is interested in building our Breeding Programme, which is an important part of the brewery’s history. Emily will be working closely with our foal Hillgate Cordelia’s Charm and will be seen at the North West and Wales Show in October with her in the Filly Class. I feel Emily is an asset to our team and I look forward to working with her!”