Shire – Draft Horse Breed

Shire – Draft Horse Breed
"The Shire is an exceptional heavy horse breed. From carrying a fully armored knight into battle, working the farm, to a companion animal today… this gentle giant is a well mannered worker!

  The magnificent Shire is powerful and muscular, and is the tallest breed of horse!

   A true “gentle giant”, the Shire is renowned for its docile temperament and strong work ethic. From battlefield to farmland, this noble horse has been a well mannered servant and faithful companion. The Shire’s great ancestors came from the “Old English Black Horse” of the central regions of England, counties commonly referred to as the “shires”.

   Though its ancestry dates back to the Great Horses of the Medieval era, its use throughout history is one of aiding in the civilization of modern man. In the twelfth century, these heavy cob type horses were used as warhorses. Being strong and docile they were well suited to carrying the three hundred or so pounds of a fully armored knight into battle. Then farmers found their worth, being able to pull farm equipment and clear marshlands.