Shire

The Shire is one of the world's largest horse breeds: an English heavy draft horse with enormous pulling power, abundant leg feathering and a calm, gentle temperament.

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Breed information

Country: United Kingdom
Height: 163–193 cm
Weight: 850–1100 kg
Coat: dense coat; black, bay, dark bay and grey are common, with long feathering on the legs
Suitable for: heavy draft work, harness, agriculture, parades, carriage work, shows and rural tourism

Tags

horse heavy draft driving horse Shire United Kingdom

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 6/10

Trainability 8/10

Good with children 9/10

Shedding 7/10

Guarding 5/10

Care 7/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Shire is one of the largest domestic horse breeds. Typical features include great height, a massive chest, strong hindquarters, powerful limbs and abundant leg feathering. Petsi lists a height of 163–193 cm and a weight of 850–1100 kg.

History

The breed developed in England from large working and military horses. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Shires were widely used for heavy farm work, transport and industry. An organisation founded in 1878 became today's Shire Horse Society.

Use

Modern Shires appear in parades, shows, historic carriage work, rural tourism and traditional draft work.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Despite their enormous size, Shires are known for a calm, gentle and obedient temperament. Their mass and strength still mean that experienced handling is important.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

Heavy body weight places extra load on hooves and joints, so these areas deserve close monitoring. Leg feathering should be kept clean and dry. Feeding needs ample high-quality forage and water without excessive starch.