SHIRE HORSE BREED

         SHIRE HORSE

Draft horses - draft horse breeds

The Shire horse is a pure draft horse. It is the tallest of all horse breeds. A stallion may stand 18 hands (180 cm) tall and weigh just short of a ton (910 kg).

Shire horses are built for power, with broad chests, dense hindquarters, and short backs. Fortunately for owners and handlers, the Shire has a wonderful temperament. In fact, they're often referred to as "gentle giants." 

Shires often hold the record for the largest individual equines in the world. The world record holder until 2001 was a Shire named Goliath. The gelding stood 76 inches tall at the shoulder. Sadly, Goliath died in 2001.

The Shire horse and its close relative, the Clydesdale, were brought to England by William the Conqueror with the Norman Conquest in 1066. They served as mounts for heavily armoured knights. Only stallions were brought over carrying knights, and it is assumed that they were bred with the native mares.

Once the war was over, farming needed to be resumed full time. Although oxen were generally used for farm work until the 18th century, horse was frequently used for ploughing, dray, and other heavy pulling. 

History reveals that the draft horses were sold in Smith Field Market in London as early as 1145.

King John imported 100 horses of large stature from the low country. Robert de Bruce rode a palfrey in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. 

The English knights realized that a lighter, and therefore more flexible, horse was better in battle. As a result, they started to change the breeding into a lighter, more agile, horse.

The Great English Horse became important again during the reign of King Henry VIII, and stallions under 15 hands were not allowed to breed. In the late 16th century, when gunpowder was invented, the days of the Great Horse ended. Knights and armour became obsolete.

Oliver Cromwell's cavalry used lighter horses, and the Great Horse was once again used for ploughing and draught work. It was also used a lot for stagecoaches.

The Shire horse was on the decline and there were only a very limited number left. Now they are again on the rise, used for breeding heavier hunters by crossing them withThoroughbred mares. They are also seen in Draught or draft horse competitions worldwide. 

Other than their amazing size, Shire horses are admired because of their personalities. They're intelligent and easy to train. Also, the horses actually seem to enjoy it.