Heavy horse
Results 2011
Best in Show - Richard Bedford, Hartcliff Farm, Liversedge
Gentle Giants of the Horse World - Shires
Factfile:
- Most numerous heavy horse in UK
- Height: At least 17.2 hands high (stallion); 16.2 hands (mare)
- Colours: black, bay, brown, grey
- Characteristic: silky leg feathers
History
The history of Shires goes back to the 'Great Horse' used to carry knights in armour. In 1800's they became the power behind agriculture and commerce. They were used extensively in docks and railways. In 1878 a selection of the best types of heavy horse was made from the old English Carthorse and the Shire Horse Society was formed. Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire Fenland was where the breed initially developed before spreading throughout the country.
The breed and the Society continued to flourish until 1930's when tractors began to appear on farms. By 1950's and 1960's the number of horses registered with the Society had fallen to 80 per year and the breed was in danger of dying out.
Thanks to the dedication of breeders these horses are now safe and can be found throughout Europe, Australia and North America. The Society has helped to promote the breed and holds Annual Shows in March each year, with up to 250 horses competing. There are in hand classes, finest turnouts and new ridden classes. It is through showing these animals at shows like Honley that these important breeds can survive.
Horse Schedule 2011 pdf