About Working Animal Day

Join us for a fun-filled celebration of working animals at the National Museum of Rural Life.  

See amazing outdoor displays from sheepdog training experts Glen and Jan Welsh, and specialist dog stunt team Les Amis d'Onno. Then head inside the museum for themed crafts and family storytelling.

Activities

Sheepdog display

Location: Picnic Field viewing area

Watch as sheepdog trainer Glen Welsh puts his cunning canines through their paces in our dog arena. See how he coaches trainee pups and marvel at the abilities of expert sheepdogs who have mastered all the tricks of their trade.

Dog stunt team display

Location: Picnic Field arena

See amazing tricks and pick up training tips with dog stunt team Les Amis d’Onno. 

See their canny pups perform with precision and panache. Learn how they’re trained, and hear about the benefits of training for dog mental health and positive dog-owner relationships. 

After the show, ask your burning questions about trick training during the Q and A session.

Working horse display

Location: Picnic Field viewing area

Join the team from Les Amis d’Onno for a display blending horsemanship and history. See horses dressed as an historic logging horse and a modern-day police horse, and hear fascinating stories of working horses through time.

Crafts and storytelling sessions

Location: In the museum

Enjoy craft activities, family storytelling sessions, and a trail celebrating other kinds of working animals.

On the day

  • Please note the Farm Explorer tractor-trailer will not run during this event.
  • The farm is a 10-minute (0.5 mile) walk from the main museum building, on paths that have firm, rough gravel surfaces with moderate slopes in some areas. The paths are suitable for pushchairs and electric assisted wheelchairs.
  • If you require a parking space at the farm, please speak with staff when you arrive at the museum.

Assistance dogs

Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are welcome in the museum buildings and on the outdoor site.

Non-assistance dogs

We do not recommend bringing non-assistance dogs to this event. While they are allowed on the outdoor site, they must be on a lead and cannot enter the museum buildings or outdoor picnic area where much of the event will take place.

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.  

Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Rural Life. 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about this event, please contact us by: 

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