Size
1.62–1.8 meters.
Physical Attributes
The Shire is undoubtedly the largest breed of horse and is most recognised for their enormous size. They have a big forehead, a prominent nose that is slightly rounded and prominent, a robust neck, a sturdy body, and feathery legs. They can lift a lot of weight thanks to their strength and size.
Colors
Stallions are only allowed to have little white markings; they might be black, bay, brown, or gray. Roans are very common in mares and geldings.
Characteristics and Genetics
A British draught horse breed called the Shire. Shires have been found to be at risk for chronic progressive lymphedema, a disease that causes distal limb fibrosis, hyperkeratosis, and progressive swelling as symptoms. The condition is comparable to human chronic lymphedema. In the 1200s and 1500s, these native English horses underwent crossbreeding with Flemish stallions and Dutch Friesians, respectively.
Dutch engineers who came to England in the sixteenth century to drain the fens may have had an impact on the development of the Shire breed by bringing Friesian horses with them. In the seventeenth century, an animal known as the Old English Black Horse was descended from this medieval horse. The disciples of Robert Bakewell, of Dishley Grange in Leicestershire, enhanced the Black Horse, creating a steed that is occasionally referred to as the “Bakewell Black.” Black horses evolved into two distinct breeds: the Fen or Lincolnshire type and the Leicester or Midlands type.
Shire horses are a particular breed of draught horse that were historically employed for pulling carts and distributing big quantities of ale; some brewers still follow this practise today. Shire horses have a fairly laid-back disposition, making them suitable for leisurely riding and pulling carriages.
Health and lifespan
Due to its size, the Shire can experience issues with its lower leg joints. Regular foot trimming is necessary to prevent the hooves from flaring and cracking. The outcome is a lowered sole, where the horse’s weight is placed on the soft sole as opposed to the firm hoof wall. Shires can live for over 20 years.
As Pets
Temperaments
Shires are well known for having one of the calmest temperaments of any breed. Draught horses need to have this quality since they frequently have to remain still in harness for long periods of time while carts are being loaded. They make good (though very large) pets and are trainable.
Nutrition and Diet
Shire horses consume a typical horse diet that consists of high-quality hay, grain, fruits, and vegetables. To keep a healthy body weight, they just require a lot more food (and water) than an average-sized horse. To prevent polysaccharide storage myopathy, a disorder that can result in spasms in the hind legs, several vets advise high-fat diets.
Uses
Today, the majority of Shires are raised for exhibition, farm work, and advertising purposes. They have been employed to pull beer carts in Australia and New Zealand, and they are stunning in full harness at ceremonial events.
Popularity
The rise of mechanization caused the breed’s popularity to drop, although in recent years, Shires have had a resurgence in popularity. Although there are more Shires than any other big horse in England, there are only about 70 in Australia and fewer than 3000 worldwide.
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