Shire horses could die out in UK within 10 years, charity warns
THEY were once the powerhouse of Britain, driving ploughs, barges, trams, carriages and ale carts.
But shire horses – which came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066 – and other heavy breeds could be extinct here within 10 years.
Just 240 shires, 199 Clydesdales and 25 Suffolks were born last year, the lowest birth figures ever recorded.
Gail Sprake, chairman of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, said: “The figures are shocking. They started dying out because of mechanisation after the Second World War.
“But I don’t think people realise how bad it is now. In a way, we are losing a whole part of our history.”
There are now thought to be fewer than 300 Suffolk Punch horses in Britain, which puts them on the “critical” list. Clydesdale horses are considered “vulnerable”, with under 1,000 left, and shire horses are “at risk” with fewer than 1,500.
However, the horses – which were used for centuries in battle as living armoured tanks before more modern weapons made them obsolete – continue to play an important role in the Army, policing, equine therapy and even commercial logging.
They are good riding animals, and could become particularly useful in an era where riders are becoming heavier, the Trust believes. They are still used in military pageantry, and are the only horses which are capable of carrying the huge kettle drums carried by the Household Cavalry.
Captain Thomas Mountain, of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said: “These fearless and powerful giants, which once were the steed of choice of knights in battle, are well equipped to carry our world famous musicians and silver kettle drums as seen on the Queen’s Birthday Parade and other important state occasions.”
As well as encouraging breeding of heavy horses, the Trust is collecting genetic material from the rare breeds to store so that it could be possible to bring back an extinct breed.
Mrs Sprake added: “We are determined that they won’t die out under our watch.
“Even a small donation would help us to collect genetic material and ensure that they won’t die out.”