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The largest of the draught breeds was once depended on to pull barges and coal wagons, and to work the land, but is now endangered
The Shire
THE SHIRE IS renowned for its size and strength and is typically a calm and placid breed. Originally it was referred to as the ‘Great Horse’ after bloodlines of heavier breeds from the Continent were introduced because native British breeds were too small and light to carry knights wearing heavy armour into war.
When their strength was no longer needed on the battlefield, Shires and other draught breeds became the animal of choice for farm work, replacing the ox.
During the Industrial Revolution, they towed barges along canals and hauled large wagons and trams on the roads. When British railways arrived, the need for barges fell and Shires found themselves with a new job: transporting goods to and from railway yards.
In London, some 1,500 draught horses — many of them Shires — were used for rubbish collection. Carrier firms had around 19,000 horses in London alone. In 1893, it was estimated that breweries in the capital used around 3,000 horses, many being Shires.
They also transported coal for heating and cooking fuel, with loads weighing up to a whopping three tonnes.
With the advent of cars and tractors in the early 1900s, the need for Shires plummeted. By the 1960s there were only a few thousand in existence — a huge drop from well over a million.
The breed remains on the Rare
Breeds Survival Trust’s watchlist and is considered to be ‘At Risk’, with lower numbers than ideal and with a degree of inbreeding, which is a concern for the breed’s longevity.
Today a small number can be found working the fields and in forestry, as well as giving demonstrations of their traditional job roles at county shows and pulling carriages in full dress. Ploughing competitions and timber snigging — an obstacle course completed with the horse towing a log — are increasingly popular. Shires are also ridden and can be found under saddle in the show ring, with an annual breed championship in the spring.