History Of The Shire Horse
The Shire horse is the largest of England's native horses and was used mainly as a draught horse. The Cart Horse Society (later to become the Shire Horse Society) was set up in 1878 to improve the breed. The Shire horse was also used in weight pulling contests. Mechanisation resulted in a decline in numbers but the Shire horse is still popular at shows and with brewers for work within cities.
Height Of The Shire Horse
The Shire horse stands 16.2 to 18 hh.
Colour Of The Shire Horse
The Shire horse is bay, brown, black or grey with plenty of white on the legs and feet.
Breed Characteristics Of The Shire Horse
The Shire horse has a broad forehead with large eyes with a slightly roman nose, thick neck, muscular body and lots of feather on legs. Shire horses are able to pull considerable loads.
Temperament Of The Shire Horse
The Shire horse is docile, gentle and hard working.
Uses Of The Shire Horse
The Shire horse is used for agricultural work, and as draught horse and show horse.
