A day out with Shire Horses
There's nothing quite like the majestic giant of a Shire horse. One of the best loved draught horses, these wonderful animals have served mankind well for years About Shire Horses Shire horses are tall, averaging 17 hands (that's over 6 and a half feet) plus. Known for their strength, they have been popluar for pulling brewery wagons to deliver ale to customers. Still today, Shires are often used in forestry and for leisure. The Shire Horse Society was founded in 1884, and its American equivalent a year later. Since the 1950s and 1960s, their popularity fell, as they were taken over by mechanical things such as tractors & lorries. But today their popularity is increasing, yet they are still at critical levels, according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. You can find a list of Shire Horse associations outside the UK here
Cheshire - the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre has Shire horse experience days too - details vary according to the farm's needs and the weather - but you may well find yourself getting stuck into helping to prepare these giants for the show ring by plaiting manes and washing the feathers, mucking out, feeding your charges - it's all hands on! Do check out Major's blog Give someone special a Shire Horse Experience The Ostler Carriage Company have both Shire Horse Experience Days and the Shire Horse Country Pub Run - you can contact them here - they have 30 branches over the UK. |
![]() | Hop Farm Shire Horse Experience Treat yourself to a Shire Horse Experience in Kent! Shire Horse Experience with Cream Tea options are also available. From £90 from Into the Blue |