Shire Horse

Descended from the mediaeval war horse known as the Great Horse, the Shire was developed by crossing imported Friesians and Flanders horses with native stock.

Farming relied upon them for hundreds of years and they are still in demand for visitors’ farms, shows, and pulling brewers’ drays on short haul city trips (probably dubious economically – but great PR.)

Origin: Midland Counties, UK.

Colour: black, bay, grey – with white markings.

Height: between 16 and 18 hands.

Conformation: lean head, wide between eyes, slightly Roman nosed, wide chest and deep girth, dense muscular body and powerful quarters, 11-12 inches of bone, abundant silky feathering.

Character: docile, gentle.

Uses: draught, showing.