What Are Shire Horses?
Shire horses are one of the oldest breeds of draft horses, which are large, strong animals bred for their ability to do farm work and other labor. Shire horses are known for their gentle temperaments as well as their size.
"Shire" is a word used to refer to rural counties in England. The counties of Derby, Cambridge, Norfolk, Nottingham, Leicester, and Huntingdon are considered some of the regions of Shire horse origin. Together, these counties are called the Midlands.
The British Great Horse, which was used in battle in medieval times, is thought to be an ancestor of the Shire horse. The Great Horse got its name due to its strength, courage, and calm behavior during difficult times. Over time, these horses were made more sturdy and capable by breeding them with other breeds, such as the North German Flemish horses and the horses of Flanders.
Key Characteristics of Shire Horses
Shire horses are the largest among all British draft horses. They average about 17.2 hands tall (69 inches), and a full-grown stallion can weigh 2,400 pounds or more. Sampson, a Shire horse, who grew to 21.2 hands (85 inches) tall and weighed over 3,000 pounds, remains the tallest and heaviest of all horses to date.
These muscular horses are usually brown, black, gray, or bay (reddish-brown or brown body with black mane, tail, ear edges, and lower leg). Female Shire horses sometimes have roan coats, with a mixture of white and colored hairs on their bodies and solid-color head, mane, tail, and lower legs. Shires have long, fluffy hair, called feathering, on their lower legs, with hooves as wide as salad plates.
In contrast to their imposing size, Shire horses have docile temperaments and are considered easy to train. They aren't easily rattled by loud noises or children, dogs, or other animals.
The lifespan of an average domesticated Shire horse is between 25 and 30 years. But with proper care, they can live up to the age of 35.
How to Care for a Shire Horse
Like all horses, Shires do best when they're in the company of other equines (horses, mules, ponies, miniature horses, or donkeys).
A Shire horse's diet should include high-quality grass hay or a mix of grass and legumes, as well as pasture grasses in the growing season. Depending on their activity level, they need enough food to equal 1.5%-3% of their body weight each day.
Because of their relatively slow metabolism, draft horses can be prone to becoming overweight. Ideally, they should exercise energetically for at least 30 minutes a day. They also need lots of water — up to 24 gallons daily. A salt lick will ensure your horse gets enough sodium.
Your horse will need plenty of space and clean bedding in its stable or shelter, along with a pasture of at least an acre for grazing and exercise.
It also needs daily grooming and hoof care. In particular, the feathering on the Shire horse's legs requires regular brushing and cleaning to prevent irritation and infection. It's also vital to dry the feathering completely after bathing your horse so it doesn't become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
Avoid leaving their legs and feet muddy for too long. Remove sweat using a brush, and use a hoof pick to clean their hooves. You can check your horse for lice while you brush them.
Regular vet care — including checkups, vaccinations, and tooth care — is essential.
Shire Horses: Roles and Uses
Draft horse breeds such as the Shire, Percheron, Belgian, and Clydesdale are ideal for pulling, plowing, and farm labor.
The Shire horse's size and easygoing nature are the main reasons for its popularity as a true workhorse. Pulling carts of ale from breweries to serving houses, pulling wagons, and tilling the fields were some of the traditional uses for these horses. When coal became a major energy source, many households employed Shire horses to pull large coal wagons across the country roads.
Today, these horses are mainly used as an environment-friendly alternative to tractors (on small farms) and in logging operations. You might see them doing promotional work for breweries or pulling a carriage at a wedding or Renaissance fair. Enthusiasts show them at horse shows and use them for personal riding. They're considered a good choice for first-time horse owners.
Interesting Shire Horse Facts
- Legends say the knights of England used to ride on Shire horses into battle. These horses could move swiftly while carrying their riders, who could weigh as much as 400 pounds with their armor.
- The Shire horse is also called the "war horse," "cart horse," and the "Lincolnshire Giant."
- The first Shire horse was imported into the U.S. in 1853, and their popularity peaked there in the 1880s.
- Before steam engines and tractors became common, Shire horses were essential for transportation and agricultural work. The mechanization of agriculture and transportation led to a major decline in the demand for these horses.
- The number of Shire horses fell from over a million to just a few thousand by the 1960s, making this breed dangerously endangered. But since then, the Shire's popularity has grown. A persistent group of breeders has maintained this horse as a working and riding animal.
- In the Disney movie Brave, the character Merida rides a Shire horse named Angus.
Shire Horse Training
Shire horses are known for being cooperative and easy to train.
Like all horses, they learn through repetition. So, maintaining a consistent training routine and schedule is essential. Use clear, consistent cues to guide them. Positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, and scratching, encourages correct behavior.
Though Shires are quick learners, you'll want to make sure your horse has a good grasp on the basics before moving on to tougher tasks. Expose them to a range of environments and circumstances so they'll maintain their training in new environments.
Safety is important with any horse, but especially with one as large as the Shire. Always approach your horse from the front, move slowly and deliberately when you're around it, and stay out of kicking range — especially when it's nervous or upset.
Common Health Issues in Shire Horses
Shire horses and other draft horses tend to be healthy for the most part. But they can be prone to:
Chronic progressive lymphedema. This skin condition causes the lower legs to gradually swell. It starts as a condition called scratches, which is inflammation of the skin between the hoof and fetlock. Over time, it can lead to sores, infections, and lameness. The thick feathers on Shire horses' legs are thought to contribute to this condition, and genes may play a role as well. There's no cure, but clipping the feathers, keeping legs clean and dry, treating infections promptly, and using compression bandages may help manage symptoms.
Polysaccharide storage myopathy. With this inherited disease, there's an abnormal buildup of sugars (glycogen) in the horse's muscles. This keeps their muscles from using the glycogen for energy as they normally do. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, pain and stiffness, tremors (shaking), excess sweating, and reluctance to move. While the condition isn't curable, it can often be controlled with a diet and exercise program. The program involves replacing sugar and carbs in the horse's diet with fat, ideally combined with daily exercise.
Shivers. This neurological disease causes trembling in horses' hind legs and tail, which makes them have trouble backing up and picking up their back hooves. It's caused by damage to nerve cells, but it's not clear why this happens.
Other skin conditions. Skin diseases, such as feather mites and scratches, can develop in the feathering on the horse's lower legs. So, it's important to keep the area clean and dry.
Shire Horse FAQs
Is a Shire horse bigger than a Clydesdale?
Both are large breeds. But Shire horses are considered the largest and heaviest breed. A Shire horse named Sampson holds the record for the biggest horse, standing 21.2 hands (85 inches) tall and weighing over 3,000 pounds.
Why are Shire horses so rare?
The population of Shire horses fell after World War II because mechanization meant they were no longer in demand for transportation and agricultural work. After dipping to a low point in the early 1960s, the breed has slowly rebounded.
Are Shire horses good pets?
If you have enough space and can afford the upkeep of a large horse, a Shire horse is considered a good choice for recreational riding. Due to their calm nature and ability to learn quickly, they're recommended for new horse owners.
What are the disadvantages of a Shire horse?
As a large breed, Shire horses can be expensive to keep. It can also be time-consuming to groom their leg feathers, which need to be kept clean to avoid infection.
How much does a Shire horse cost?
Prices for Shire horses can vary a lot, depending on their training, age, and other factors. According to Horse Canada magazine, a Shire horse could cost about $5,000-$25,000.
What is special about Shire horses?
Shire horses are noted for their large size, docile personalities, and ability to train and learn quickly.
Why are Shire horses going extinct?
The global population of Shires declined as mechanization replaced them in farming and transportation. They were once considered to be at critical risk of extinction. But their status has since been upgraded to "Threatened," as the worldwide population has grown to more than 2,000. At least half of the Shire horses in the world live in the U.S.
