It was estimated that in 1893, 3000 horses were used by London brewers, many of which were Shires. Today, the Shire horse not only has a reputation as a willing and brave mount, but also as a sturdy and strong working horse, still used by some breweries to transport barrels. Although the Shire horse still has a long way to go, the society began to promote the Shire horse for its willing attitude as a riding mount and also as a carthorse.

In the 1970’s, people who know and love the breed began to campaign to save the breed from eventual extinction.

But as the industrial revolution made the role of the Shire redundant, many of the equines ceased to be in demand by farms and workers. The Shire Horse Society has records going back to 1701. By the late 18 th century, the famous stallion called the Packington Blind Horse was a stud in Leicestershire, now recognised as the founding sire of the Shire horse that we know today. This horse is often depicted in rolling fields in the countryside, predominantly used in agriculture and for pulling heavy carts. The Shire horse is thought to have descended from 'the Great Horse,' a warhorse hundreds of years ago. Keep reading to learn all about the beloved Shire horse breed. The Shire horse has played an integral role in the development of a nation for sure, with roots thought to go back to the Middle Ages. All horse breeds have their own unique and wonderful characteristics and history but few are as synonymous with British history and heritage as the famous Shire.

The shires brave download