The magnificent and rare shire horse is best known for its height and strength, holding records for being the tallest horse in the world. Appearing similar to a Clydesdale, these horses are absolutely massive with large hooves and feathering on their legs. Is a shire horse strong or weak? Key Read more…
There are Shire Horse Races Watching these gentle giants galloping down the course is certainly something else! Is a Shire Horse good for riding? As well as being a working horse, Shire horses can also be ridden by all levels of horse rider, with an easygoing nature and a will Read more…
However the rising use of machinery to carry out agricultural and industrial work left the Shire horse out of a job, and the breed’s numbers dwindled. Today, the breed is considered “at risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, which means there are fewer than 1500 breeding mares of the Read more…
Like, Can-Pull-a-Semi-Truck Strong. A pair of Shires once pulled 50 tons, or the equivalent of a semi truck, plus an additional 20,000 pounds. A photograph from 1940 shows draft horses hauling a massive load of logs. Is a Shire Horse strong or weak? Key Characteristics. The Shire is a strong Read more…
Generally massive and somewhat coarse in build, they are characterized by considerable hair, called feather, on their legs and are usually bay, brown, black, gray, or chestnut. In 1878 the Shire Horse Society was established in England; the American Shire Horse Association was founded in 1885. What are the characteristics Read more…
The long and thick hairs cascading down some horses legs make a waterproof protective barrier to keep the undercoat and skin dry from the harsh elements, while also protecting their legs against brambles or other snags in underbrush. Why do some horses have hair on their feet? Many horse breeds Read more…
Shire horses were the perfect animal to use on farms. They were strong, smart, and fast. Because of these attributes, they quickly replaced oxen in many areas. What breed of horses are fastest? ThoroughbredsThoroughbreds are considered the fastest horses in the world and dominate the horse racing industry, while Arabian Read more…
Health Issues Like other draft breeds, shires are prone to polysaccharide storage myopathy, a neuromuscular disease that causes hind leg spasms. Your vet might recommend a high-fat diet to avoid this problem. The shire’s heavily feathered legs require a great deal of upkeep to keep clean. Are Shire horses healthy? Read more…
Shire horses are known for their easygoing, calm and patient nature. They are docile and hard working, due to their origins as a draught horse; and are not known for behavioural issues as a breed. Are Shire horses friendly? They are extremely strong — a pair of Shires in the Read more…
The Shire Horse has played a huge role in the world, first in England and then world-wide. Originally it was used as a war horse carrying knights in armour, and then it was the main source of power in industry and agriculture for 250 years. What kind of horses did Read more…