![]() These large horses have a vital role to play in society, including as police horses, army horses, therapy horses, working horses, as well as general riding horses. It was estimated that in 1893, 3000 horses were used by London brewers, many of which were Shires. Today, the Shire horse not only has a reputation as a willing and brave mount, but also as a sturdy and strong working horse, still used by some breweries to transport barrels. Although the Shire horse still has a long way to go, the society began to promote the Shire horse for its willing attitude as a riding mount and also as a carthorse. In the 1970’s, people who know and love the breed began to campaign to save the breed from eventual extinction. But as the industrial revolution made the role of the Shire redundant, many of the equines ceased to be in demand by farms and workers. The Shire Horse Society has records going back to 1701. By the late 18 th century, the famous stallion called the Packington Blind Horse was a stud in Leicestershire, now recognised as the founding sire of the Shire horse that we know today. This horse is often depicted in rolling fields in the countryside, predominantly used in agriculture and for pulling heavy carts. The Shire horse is thought to have descended from "the Great Horse," a warhorse hundreds of years ago. Keep reading to learn all about the beloved Shire horse breed. The Shire horse has played an integral role in the development of a nation for sure, with roots thought to go back to the Middle Ages. They were already able to show off their elegant and spirited movements – despite their size – in a great number of sophisticated dressage performances in our shows.All horse breeds have their own unique and wonderful characteristics and history but few are as synonymous with British history and heritage as the famous Shire. And as recreational and show horses, they are more popular than ever. Today, they are still popular carriage or draught horses. But thanks to the commitment of a small number of English breeders and breweries, the cold-blooded horse breed recovered. Nevertheless, the demand for these horses declined due to the rapid technological development. By founding the Shire Horse Society as a breeding association in 1878, the Shire horse population was stabilised. However, the number of Shire horses dropped when many cold-blooded horses were exported to Scotland for breeding Clydesdale horses. As they were capable of pulling heavy weights, they were also popular carriage and plough horses. Later the war horses became transport and working horses used for farm work in particular. This is why back then, breeding horses that were as large and heavy as possible was desirable. They were able to effortlessly carry their riders heavy armour over long distances, and their appearance was enough to scare of enemies. In their home country, they served as sturdy riding horses for knights as early as the 11th century. Today, the heavy cold-blooded horses are very popular and fascinate horse enthusiasts around the world as carriage or riding horses or horses for representing. Their slender head with an arched muzzle, their slightly curved neck and the beautiful, dark eyes give these horses a graceful and elegant appearance. The latter often makes them look as if they are wearing boots. Most Shire horses usually have white marks on their blaze and legs. Their lush feathering and mane as well as the long tail that reaches the ground are particularly striking. White Shire horses are rarely seen, and chestnut-coloured horses not desired. Typically, the horse breed is not only large and massive, they also have striking, thick long hair. Their powerful appearance is distinguished by a sturdy body with a strong back and muscular hindquarters and front legs. This makes them not only bigger than most other horses but also heavier. Shire horses can measure up to 2.05 m at the withers and weigh about 800 to even 1,000 kg. The beautiful cold-blooded horses are remarkable not only due to their extraordinary nature, but because of their impressive looks. These particular characteristics make Shire horses so versatile. ![]() Unlike many other cold-blooded horses, they have a lively temperament, and they are eager to learn. However, you shouldn’t underestimate them because of their slightly clumsy appearance. These cold-blooded horses are rarely agitated, and riders appreciated their well-balanced and calm nature. They have a well-balanced nature, they are highly reliable and form close relationships with their owner or rider. In contrast to their impressive appearance, they are a very gentle breed. In their native country of England, Shire horses – the world’s largest horses – are also known as gentle giants.
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