Intro
Descendant from the English Great Horse of the Middle Ages, the Shire horse is among the largest of the draft breeds .
Origins
Appearing in Britain around the end of the 16th century when strong animals were needed to pull heavy wagons and coaches long distances over rough terrain. The Shire derived from blood of forest horses, and Friesian and Flanders horse imports.
The English Great horse is still considered the Shire horse’s principle ancestor, although its bloodlines were slowly reduced in the stock as the influx of Dutch Friesian blood grew stronger.
Modern Shire horses are renowned for their strength, a pair of Shire horses have pulled 16.5 tons of weight on granite paving tiles.
Features
Average height Over 17 hands
Extremely large animals
Incredible pulling strength
One of the biggest horses in the world
Physique
Long neck for a draft horse, with wide shoulders
Legs are clean and muscular, hocks set for maximum leverage
Heavy feathering on back of legs
Big, round hooves
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Big and gentle, the Shire is a docile giant
Use
General riding
Show horses
Parade horse
Helpful Links
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Shire Horse Society
American Shire Horse Association
Canadian Shire Horse Association
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