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Shires are descended from the ancient "Great
War Horse". After the end of the feudal era, these
animals were then primarily used in agriculture. Many of the heavy
breeds had their war spirit bred out of them. However, the
Shire is unusual in that their fire and spirit has remained. Shires
are willing workers, but are independent and intelligent. They have
been known to refuse to follow instruction when doing so will put their
partner in danger.
The Shire is a very rare breed and is listed on the
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy's Rare Breeds List.
With only 5,000 Shires in the world, this is truly an unusual
animal.
To understand why you would want a Shire or a Shire
Cross, first we must turn back the hands of time....
Imagine yourself
as a participant in "Braveheart." Facing
battle, what do you want in a
mount? What is going to give you the best chance to survive?
Your horse has to be courageous. You cannot afford to have
a spooky mount that's going to be more frightened than you are.
Your horse has to be agile.
You're facing hand-to-hand combat. Your horse needs to be able to
maneuver easily. A short back will make it easier for him to turn
quickly. Your horse must work from his hind quarters. He must
have plenty of natural impulsion or he can't move quickly
enough.
Your horse has to be strong, with
plenty of stamina. And, if you are lucky enough to
have some armor, your horse must be a smooth mover or you are going to be bruised
plenty from the ride.
Your horse must be able to jump, with little preparation time. He
must be bold enough to jump obstacles that he has never seen before, and
he cannot hesitate.
And, finally, if
you survive, your horse has to serve a useful purpose after the warring
days. He must be able to work under harness to pull
a wagon, or a plow. He must be sane and sensible
and able to work safely
around family members.
Such is the
legacy of
the Shire
breed.
Bred for war, retired to
farm.
A fun story: big, brave horses from a long time ago. But, we don't
live in feudal Europe and usually we use internal combustion engines for
the other tasks that Shires used to do. What about today?
There are a few
full Shires that compete in driving competitions. There are a few
big hitches (similar to the Budweiser Clydesdales) that perform at parades and
events. A few full Shires compete in dressage. There are a
number of them that perform in medieval reenactments. It's more
likely that your first encounter with a Shire will be a Shire-cross rather
than a full Shire.
The Shire
crosses are frequently half thoroughbred. This cross typically adds
strength and sensibility to the thoroughbred. These crosses are
athletic, sensible and large. They have huge strides. Often
the Shire isn't immediately apparent - many of these crosses look like
European Warmbloods. (Of course, where did they come from?) These
crosses will jump (another link back to the "good ol' battle days").
Typically, they show natural engagement and are very powerful.
Action will vary - some show a lot of knee, others very long and
low.
The Shire cross is a bold competitor, excelling at
dressage, jumping and driving activities. The Shire cross is
unwavering in his work ethic and is eager to learn and compete.
They are intelligent, train well and are highly adaptable.
The Shire cross
has kept many of the original qualities of the Shire. Perhaps due to
the Shire rarity, the breed consistently passes these
qualities. The disposition, the work ethic and the athletic
abilities are unmistakable in the Shire cross.
Surprise!
No.
A non-working, full Shire will typically require less food than a
thoroughbred.
Both the full and part
Shires are easy keepers, hardy and
healthy.
A common
misconception! Shires are sensible and kind. But, the old
promotion for the Shire was "If you want Fire, get a
Shire!" These are not plodding, docile horses. These are
lively and athletic animals. And, while they have a
good disposition, that does not replace good training!
Norton's
video shows a good example of how much "get up and go" a heavy
horse can have.
What can you do with a
Shire cross? Whatever you would like!
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