Shire Horses: Breed Profile
The tallest horse breed.
Shires come from England and are very tall.
Purpose
They are used for driving and showing.
Where the breed stands today
The breed is uncommon.
What to look for in a Shire project animal
Look for a tall, strong body. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.
Showing Shire at 4-H and FFA
Draft horses are judged in halter, in-hand, harness and hitch classes. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.
Pros
- Strong
- Calm
- Distinctive
- Draft horses are calm, powerful and a crowd favorite at fairs.
- Hitch and halter classes teach teamwork and careful handling.
Cons
- High feed cost
- Feather care
- Large size
- Draft horses are large and expensive to feed, house and transport.
- Harness, equipment and training add significant cost.
Caring for your project
Plan for heavy feed needs, hoof care and experienced help. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.
Getting started
A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Shire. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.
Planning your budget
Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.
Show-day tips
Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.
Learning from the ring
Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.
Questions to ask a breeder
- How old is the horse, and what is her training?
- Is she registered with the breed association?
- How does she handle harness, trailers and crowds?
- What are her health and hoof records?
- Is she suitable for a young handler?
Bottom line
Shires are a gentle giant.
To see how the contests work, read How Showmanship Is Judged. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Cowboy Hosts Podcast Called “Haywire,” Interviews Horses About Mental Health, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.