Shire Horse

The Shire horse is a draft horse and with a maximum weight of more than 1200 kg and a height at the withers of an average of 1,78 m the biggest horse race in the world.

Background information on the evaluation and breeding horses can be found at: exterior, interior and horse breeding.

Exterior

The Shires is required in the breeding goal in stallions and geldings Height 168 cm, 163 cm at the mares. The largest Shire Horse of the world was in the middle of the 19th century, the gelding " Sampson " with a Height of 2.19 meters. The value held in Australia Noddy has a shoulder height of 2.05 meters and weighs 1500 kg.

The most common coat color is brown, particularly dark brown, followed by black horses, white horses and the relatively rare foxes. Typical of the Shire Horse are the pronounced markings on the head and legs. But there are also white spots on the abdomen.

Interior

The Shire Horse is also known as the " Gentle Giant " among the cold-blooded animals. It is significant to be docile character. The Shire Horse is capable of learning and strong nerves.

Breeding history

Originally bred as a knight horse, it found its original intended purpose later in agriculture or as a carriage horse to the chariot of the English breweries. Shires are found in many emblems or logos of various English pubs and breweries.

Appeared their downfall in the 1960s already sealed, so many rural farmers and especially the breweries tried to preserve this enormous horses. Meanwhile, a show scene has established that the Shire Horse shows in breeding and performance shows.

Use

Shire horses are like the Clydesdales late developer. Due to the rapid growth in the first years of the bones, cartilage and joints are late fused properly. The horses should so be prepared until about four years on the job. Prior to the development of motorized vehicles, the Shire Horse was used as draft animals in agriculture, commerce and transportation. Beginning of the 20th century, it also attracted the London tram. Otherwise, however, it has lost its significance as a driving force and is only for advertising purposes before brewing or tourism car clamped.