Watch Martin Clunes: Heavy Horsepower

Martin Clunes: Heavy Horsepower is a documentary film starring Martin Clunes, known for his roles in the hit British TV series Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin. The film delves into the world of heavy horses, which were once a common sight in Britain but are now a rare breed, with only a few thousand left. The film starts with Martin Clunes introducing himself as a heavy horse enthusiast, sharing his experience of learning to ride these magnificent animals. He talks about how the use of heavy horses has diminished over time, with modern technology taking over the tasks that the horses used to do, such as farming, forestry, and transportation.

The story then starts to unfold as we travel across the rolling hills and farmlands of the UK countryside, exploring the world of heavy horses with Martin. We see him visiting different farms and stables where these horses are kept, meeting with their owners and carers to learn more about these gentle giants.

One of the interesting bits of information that we discover is that unlike regular horses, heavy horses are selectively bred to be strong and robust. They are bred to have thick, powerful legs and muscular shoulder blades, making them the perfect fit for labor-intensive activities. Martin Clunes is shown conversing with some of the breeders who still take pride in raising them.

We also get to see heavy horses in action, as Martin accompanies the workers who still use them in their daily work. From ploughing the fields to hauling logs, these horses are used for a wide range of activities, and Martin gives us an in-depth look at how they are trained and harnessed for work.

The documentary also touches on the subject of animal welfare, with Martin speaking to a few experts in the field about how they take care of these magnificent creatures. One heartwarming story that stands out is the story of a woman who rescues horses from abusive situations and gives them a new home. She tells Martin about how some of these horses are treated terribly by their owners or overworked.

The film is not all about work, and Martin takes us to various events and shows where you can see heavy horses in action. We also see various heavy horse shows where these gentle giants compete to see who has the best horse for different activities. These events draw horse enthusiasts from all over the UK, and there are several breeds of heavy horses in attendance.

The documentary then takes a turn, focusing on how heavy horses are used for pleasure nowadays. We see Martin Clunes riding heavy horses in his leisure time, and how these horses are also used for riding, trekking, and other leisure activities. However, we also get to know that not everyone is pleased with this trend, as there is a section of tradition lovers who want to see heavy horses being used only for work, as it should be.

Throughout the documentary, we get to see some of the challenges that this majestic breed is facing today. From the long hours and hard work they endure on farms, to the dwindling numbers of available animals, Martin Clunes: Heavy Horsepower is both a nostalgic and eye-opening look at the world of heavy horses in modern times.

In conclusion, the film is a fantastic tribute to heavy horses and the men and women who work with them. It takes us on a journey, following Martin Clunes as he travels the British countryside, exploring the world of these magnificent animals, and showcasing their beauty, strength, and versatility. For those interested in horses or simply love animals, Martin Clunes: Heavy Horsepower is a must-watch documentary that will provide a flashback to a bygone era.