Shire
The Shire is a draft horse from the UK. these Gentle Giants are one of the largest horse breeds in the world!
See below for a Video, Photos and Facts About the Shire Horse!
About The Breed:
The age of the knights brought about a breed that is known for its strength, gentleness and size.
Native breeds in Britain were small, like the Dartmoor, Exmoor and New Forest Ponies. But knights, wearing full suits of armour, needed a horse that could carry them into battle.
Heavier breeds, from Holland, Germany and Flanders (Belgium), were brought over and the horses became known as the, "Great Horse."
As warfare changed. They used their strength for farm and forestry work, towing barges along the canals, hauling trams, and as a main source of transportation.
In 1878 the English Cart Horse Society was founded to help the horses. In 1884 they changed their name to the Shire Horse Society (of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland) and the horses were officially given the name that they are known for today, the Shire.
In the 1960's, as motorized vehicles and tractors became more common, the population of the Shire horse went from well over a million to just a few thousand. Today they are still on the watch list of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Listed as Critical by the Livestock Coservancy and listed as Threatened by the Equus Survival Trust.
They are the largest horse breed in the world. Weighing in at around 2,000 lbs. and often standing at 18hh, which is 6 feet tall at the withers. Mares range in height from 16.0hh and up and stallions have to be over 17.0hh.
Most common colors are: Black, Brown, Bay and Grey.
“The Shire Horse as a breed has had a fascinating history, and its development had been inextricably linked the development of the Society we know today.”
I’m on a Quest to Ride Every Breed!
Watch the Shire Episode Here:
✨Official Breed Parade Winner!✨
Name: Jenson's Monte Max
Foal Date: Apr 12th 2009
Height: 18.2 hh
Weight: 2,000lbs
Shoe Size: 10
Registry: American Shire Horse Association
Owned By: Phantom Dragon Ranch
>Click Here< to meet over 30 Shire Horses from around the World
and see the Virtual Breed Parade on the DiscoverTheHorse Facebook Page!
About Max:
Max started doing exhibitions at the age of 2 at liberty and in hand and has continued to amaze audiences with his driving and riding both in exhibitions, parades, show and fun events. He thoroughly enjoys strutting into a ring or through a parade and listening to the crowd cheer. He has done many Exhibition Performances and Parades in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon and Wyoming; Maxx drives single, team, tandem & 4-up with mares. He rides English, both Dressage and Jumping, Western and Sidesaddle. We are proud to own and work with such a talented and gracious Shire.
Max is Owned by: Phantom Dragon Ranch
Phantom Dragon Ranch was founded to promote the versatility, abilities, and wonderful talent of both the English Shire and the Peruvian Horse. We have had the privilege to exhibit these horses across the United States at Fairs, Parades, Shows and Exhibitions, as well as Memorial Tributes, Historic Events and Local Functions. Most noted for the Equine costuming with such things as the Dragon, Elephant, Triceratops, 2 Headed Horse, Push-Me-Pull-Me Horse, Zebras, Unicorns and much more!! We also do everything from traditional Western, English, Dressage, Jumping, Traditional Peruvian, Medieval and Sidesaddle. We incorporate costuming and various riding elements to create unique performances. We enjoy challenging our horses and ourselves to excel at multiple skills and disciplines to show the versatility that is possible with these wonderful Horses!! Visit Phantom Dragon Ranch on Facebook.
