Photo story - Sharkey Lowther memorial Ilkley Drive – a win win!

12 August 2024
Sarah Lowther leading the drive with her horse Violet as is the tradition

“Over 30 yokes and lots of visitors turned out for the annual Ilkley Drive in memory of Sharkey Lowther. Now in it’s sixth year and organised by Sharkey's youngest daughter Sarah and her son Shak, the drive made its way through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside from Silsden to Ilkley, finishing with a great spread of food in the park, friends and families getting together in the sunshine, and a dip in the River Wharfe for many of the horses and riders. Everyone had a great day, whilst raising over £400 for the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Keighley. A win, win situation.”

Horses and people in the river
Horses pulling yokes
Horses pulling yokes
Horses pulling yokes
Horse pulling yoke
Horses pulling yokes
Horse pulling yoke
Horses pulling yokes
Horses pulling yokes
Horse pulling yoke
Horses pulling yokes
Horse pulling yoke
Horses and people in the river
Wagon
Man and child
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Horses and people in the river
Sarah and her son Shak, and Violet the horse
Sarah and her son Shak, and Violet the horse

Words and photographs by Cath Muldowney for the Travellers’ Times

Caption for lead photo: Sarah Lowther leading the drive with her horse Violet as is the tradition