The Shire Horse breed was established in the mid-eighteenth century; its origins are much older. A breed society was formed in 1876, and in 1878, the first study book was published. 287  In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, there were large numbers of Shires, and many were exported to the United States. With the progressive mechanization of agriculture and transport, the need for draft horses decreased rapidly, and by the 1960s, numbers had fallen from a million or more to a few thousand. Numbers began to increase again in the 1970s, but the breed is still considered “at risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

The magnificent and rare shire horse is best known for its height and strength, holding records for being the tallest horse in the world. Appearing similar to a Clydesdale, these horses are massive, with large hooves and feathers on their legs. But despite their imposing size, shire horses are typically calm, docile, and eager to please. They can be good for horse lovers. as long as the person is comfortable with such a large horse.

About shire horse breed information :

• WEIGHT: 1,800 to 2,400 pounds
• HEIGHT: 16 hands (64 inches) to 18 hands (72 inches)
• BODY TYPE: Very tall; muscular build; large hooves; feathering on legs; long, arched neck; slightly Roman nose
• BEST FOR: All levels of riders and owners
• LIFE EXPECTANCY: 25 to 30 years

history and origins :

Shire horses are named for the British shires (countryside) where the breed was developed. It is widely believed that the British great horse, which was used in battle, is the ancestor of the shire horse. Flemish horses with leg feathering also might have influenced the breed. The Shire Horse Society, first called the English Cart Horse Society,, was formed in 1878 as a breed registry

Shire horses came to the United States around 1853 but never became popular. Instead, they were used primarily to breed increased size into smaller farm horse stock.

In the days before machinery became the workhorse of agriculture and industry, the shire horse was used for its immense pulling power. But now that the horsepower of draft horses is no longer required, the shire horse has landed on lists of endangered livestock breeds in the U.K., U.S., and Canada.

Characteristics of the Shire Horse :

The most outstanding characteristics of the shire horse are its imposing height and extreme strength, traits documented in record books and anecdotally. For example, in the 1920s, a pair of shires reportedly pulled a load of more than 45 tons, though the exact weight could not be determined because it exceeded the scale’s capacity.

The breed also is well-known for its easygoing nature. Shires don’t spook easily. This trait likely arose from the breed’s original use of confidently carrying soldiers in heavy armor into loud, dangerous battle situations.

Furthermore, like Clydesdales, shire horses have distinctive feathers on their lower legs and massive hooves.

Shire horses eat a standard horse diet that includes good-quality hay, grain, vegetables, and fruits. They just need a portion of more food (and water) than an average-sized horse to maintain a healthy body weight. Some veterinarians recommend high-fat diets to ward off polysaccharide storage myopathy, a condition that can cause spasms in the hind legs.

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uses :

The Shire horse was originally the staple breed to draw brewer’s drays. A few breweries still maintain this tradition in the UK, among them the Wadworth Brewery in Devizes, Wiltshire, the Hook Norton Brewery, the Samuel Smith Old Brewery in Tadcaster, Robinsons Brewery, and Thwaites Brewery, which made Shire-drawn deliveries from the early 1800s to the 1920s, then resumed service in 1960. Several breweries have withdrawn their Shire horse teams, including the Tetley Brewery in Leeds.

Shire Horse Society: Click Hear

Diet and Nutrition :

Shire horses eat a standard horse diet that includes good-quality hay, grain, vegetables, and fruits. They just need a lot more food (and water) than an average-sized horse to maintain a healthy body weight. Some veterinarians recommend high-fat diets to ward off polysaccharide storage myopathy, which can cause spasms in the hind legs.

Common health and behavior problems:

Shire horses are generally healthy and have very calm, agreeable attitudes. However, the breed is prone to chronic, progressive lymphedema. This is a disease in which the legs gradually become swollen, though management can help slow its progression. Also, while polysaccharide storage myopathy is not that common in shire horses, some still might experience bouts of leg stiffness, cramps, and spasms.