Irish Shire horse
THE SHIRE HORSE STUDBOOK OF IRELAND (S.H.S.I.)
Leisure Horse Ireland received approval for this studbook in 2023. This studbook is approved in Ireland, Spain & Poland (Currently a number of other EU countries are pending approval). It is a daughter studbook of The Shire Horse Studbook in the U.K.
The studbook operates a breeding programme for the improvement of the breed in Ireland and is approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The aims of the breeding programme are:
- To promote the preservation and improvement of the Shire Horse Breed.
- To assist, encourage and record all information in respect of the breeding of Shire Horses.
- Photo: Real Time Imaging
- To encourage breeders to breed for the characteristics of the breed standard by way of improved breeding practice and classification.
The Shire horse is a magnificent and powerful draught horse breed that originates from England. It is one of the largest horse breeds in the world and has a long history dating back to medieval times. Shire horses were originally bred for agricultural work, particularly for pulling heavy loads and ploughing fields. Some key characteristics of the Shire horse are, their impressive size and strength.
They typically stand between 16 and 19 hands. Despite their size, Shire horses are generally known for their calm and gentle temperament. They are intelligent and willing workers, making them easy to handle and train. Shire horses were essential in the agricultural industry, where they performed various tasks on farms, such as pulling ploughs, wagons, and heavy carts.
They were also used for transportation and pulling large loads in cities during the industrial revolution. With the decline of traditional agricultural practices, the role of the Shire horse has evolved.
Today, they are primarily used for showing, especially in draught horse classes, and for promotional and exhibition purposes due to their impressive appearance and gentle nature. At one point, the Shire horse population faced a significant decline due to changes in agricultural practices and the increasing use of machinery. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the breed, and conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve the Shire horse’s genetic diversity.
The Shire horse’s grand appearance and gentle disposition have made it a beloved breed among horse enthusiasts worldwide. While their use in traditional agriculture has diminished, they continue to be admired and appreciated for their historical significance, strength, and beauty.
