New
Festival of Heavy Horses
Our Story with Horses
whistlefish
We are a family-run British greetings card brand, rooted in creativity, quality and the Cornish coastline. Founded over 30 years ago, our business was built on a simple belief: that the art on our cards, when shared, creates meaningful connection.
Every Whistlefish design begins with illustration, inspired by nature, colour and the quiet beauty of the countryside and coast. Cornwall remains central to our brand, shaping our aesthetic, our values and our thoughtful approach to craftsmanship.
But beyond the coastline, another quiet influence runs through Whistlefish: a lifelong love of animals - and in particular, horses.
Lyn
The founder
Whistlefish was founded by Lyn, an artist and creative with a lifelong love of drawing, nature and animals. Alongside the business, Lyn is the proud owner of six Clydesdale horses and a Comtois French heavy horse. Caring for them is part of her everyday life and reflects the values at the heart of Whistlefish: patience, respect, strength and quiet craftsmanship. For Lyn, art and animals are deeply connected - both require time, care and attention, and both tell stories worth preserving and sharing.
The same sense of care that goes into looking after her horses is the same care that goes into every Whistlefish design.
Why
Horses Matter to Us
A love of animals runs through our artwork, from gentle countryside scenes to wildlife illustrations inspired by the natural world. Horses, in particular, hold a special place in our story.
As heavy horse owners, we understand the care, commitment and quiet dedication involved in working with these animals. Supporting horse-led events is a natural extension of our values - celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, community and the enduring bond between people and animals.
It is not about sponsorship in the commercial sense. It is about showing up for something we genuinely believe in.
Our involvement
in Horse-Led Events
We support a small number of horse-led events across the UK, with a particular focus on heavy horses. These events reflect a genuine interest that runs through Whistlefish and give us a way to share that story, meet people who care about animals, and capture moments that influence our artwork. The Heavy Horse Festival brings together owners, handlers and visitors to celebrate working horses. It offers a chance to see these animals up close and learn more about their role and care, and it’s one of the events we’re proud to support.
2026 events you’ll find us at
We support a small number of horse-led events across the UK, with a particular focus on heavy horses. These events reflect a genuine interest that runs through Whistlefish and give us a way to share that story, meet people who care about animals, and capture moments that influence our artwork. The Heavy Horse Festival brings together owners, handlers and visitors to celebrate working horses. It offers a chance to see these animals up close and learn more about their role and care, and it’s one of the events we’re proud to support.
A fantastic day out for all ages, the Devon County Show is the place to be on Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd May 2026.
Love animals, tractors, heavy horses, food, music, dog shows, scurry racing, funfairs, crafts, gardens, shopping as well as anything and everything associated with country life in Devon? Then you will love Devon County Show, held at Westpoint arena, near Exeter.
Find out more
A brilliant day out for all ages, the Royal Bath and West Show returns on Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th May 2026.
If you love the best bits of country life, think livestock and heavy horses, ringside entertainment, food and drink, rural crafts, gardening ideas, shopping, and plenty to watch and wander through from morning until late afternoon. It is held at The Showground in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, with gates open from 9am to 6pm each day.
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The Buckham Fair is a much-loved Dorset countryside event returning on Sunday 2nd August 2026, running from 9 am to 6 pm in Beaminster, West Dorset. It’s a warm and lively day out celebrating rural life and community spirit.
Expect a vibrant mix of dog and pony shows, Heavy Horse displays and arena spectacles, local food and drink stalls, artisan traders, a fun fair and plenty of activity for visitors of all ages. The event also supports local causes, with fundraising for Dorset County Hospital.
