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THE SHIRE
HORSE |
The Shire Horse is the giant of the equine world. Known as “Magni
Equi” because of their large size, these great horses were bred
for war and to carry knights in tournaments.
The Shire horse originated in the Midlands of England and takes its
name from the districts it was bred, such as Lincolnshire, Derbyshire
and Leicestershire. It has been bred over hundreds of years and is
descendant from the Old English Black and The Great Horse of Medieval
Times. In Medieval England, the Shire was developed to be strong enough
to carry a knight in plate armour and bearing heavy weapons and still
be agile in combat. The Shire has carried Knights in full armour into
battle and ploughed many paddocks. The modern Shire still has all
the qualities desired in a draught horse- stamina, strength, constitution
and adaptability. With immense power in its frame, the Shire is able
to move weights which would surprise those unfamiliar with the breed.
At one London show, two geldings harnessed to a springless dock wagon
hauled 18 tonnes.
In Australia, Shires were used as draught horses, with large importations
peaking in 1888 when 1400 Shires left England bound for Australia,
Canada and the US.
The Shire horse is one of the rarest horses in Australia. There are
less than 80 purebred Shire horses in Australia, and only 14 in Queensland.
The numbers are slowly on the rise again with about 8 foals born each
year in Australia.
During the 1800’s vast quantities of goods were shipped to and
from English ports and the Shire contributed dramatically to the movement
of these goods to and from the docks. At the same time farmers developed
a need for strong, docile horses which could work in the fields of
either the flat marshy “Fen” counties or drier Yorkshire
and Lancashire. The horseman of Britain bred Shire horses to fill
these needs.
Standards of quality were established early on and records were kept.
In 1878 the Shire Horse Society was established. All Shire horses
in Australia are registered in England; there is no Australian registry.
The horses have a DNA sample and passport (sketch card) held by the
Shire Horse Society in England. The most common colours are black,
brown and bay with white leg markings and a blaze, grey is also a
popular colour in England. Chestnut and roan are not acceptable colours
for a Shire horse.
The Shire horse has been bred by the English Royal Family for over
200 years, Edward VII and King George V bred them at Sandringham.
In the 1920’s it was not uncommon to find King George V with
his stallion competing in the show ring. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II is the patron of the Shire Horse Society.
The Shire very nearly became extinct in the 1950’s with the
tractor and truck taking their place on the farms and roads. Thankfully
a dedicated band of breeders kept the breed going and their numbers
have increased in recent times to around 7,000 worldwide. There are
many farmers overseas who still use the Shire horse as the workhorse
it is. The Shire is a horse who loves human companionship and works
easily off his owner’s voice.
Shire horses are the World’s tallest breed of horse, standing
from 16.2 hands to over 18 hands. The average size is 17.2 hands to
18 hands. The Guiness Book of Records listed the great Shire gelding
Boringdon Black King as the Worlds Tallest Living Horse, standing
19.2 hands he lived in England. They are very gentle and docile for
their size whilst being very agile and able to cover the ground with
great speed when in full gallop.
Many European owners are successfully competing with their Shire horses
in all levels of Dressage. The Shire is an ideal horse to cross with
the Thoroughbred to produce top quality Warmbloods or eventing horses.
Germany imports about 30 Shires each year for breeding and competition.
The NSW Mounted Police Force use Shire crosses and also have a Shire
Drum Horse. The Police say the Shire cross horses are perfect for
crowd control because of their strength and unflappable nature.
A Shire stallion should weigh about one tonne when mature and stand
between 16.2 and 18 hands, and should not carry excess fat. Mares
are slightly smaller in frame than the stallions. The Shire has a
short strong back, broad chest and feathered legs. They are well muscled
and in proportion. They have a strong sloping shoulder, with an arched
neck. Their feet are strong and well structured without excessive
flare.
SHIRE horses are now enjoying the cheers from crowds at Horse Shows
in Australia and Overseas. They are known as “THE GENTLEST OF
THE GENTLE GIANTS”.
For further information contact
Queensland Ambassador
Sue Bailey
PO Box 26, Tamborine, QLD 4207br> Ph/Fax 55 464 106 suebailey@airwebconnect.com.au
