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Draft HorseUnited Kingdom

Shire Horse

"The Shire Horse is the largest and heaviest horse breed in the world, known for its gentle temperament and impressive pulling power."

Your Height:
180 cm
Human
Shire Horse
Shoulder Height: 187 cm
Age20-30 years
Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.
Height
Shoulder Height: 168-205cmHead Height: ~230cm (est.)
The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).
Weight850-1200 kg
Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.
Cost/Month€280+
The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level
The urge to move and the willingness to perform of the horse in training and everyday life.

Generally calm and steady as a draft horse, but requires daily exercise.

Temperament
Describes the character from calm and composed to spirited and sensitive.

Very balanced, steady-nerved, and gentle, often referred to as a 'Gentle Giant'.

Beginner Friendly
How well the horse is suited for riders with little experience or as a first horse.

Despite their massive size, they are very good-natured and people-oriented, ideal for patient riders.

Social Behavior
Compatibility with conspecifics in the herd or stable.

Highly sociable with other horses and requires interaction.

Reliability
Composure in stressful situations (skittishness).

Very reliable, calm, and fearless in various situations.

Versatility
Suitability for various disciplines such as dressage, jumping, leisure or western.

Used as a draught, leisure, and show horse, but limited in competitive sports.

Grooming Effort
Time required for grooming, hoof care and general stable hygiene.

Extremely high maintenance, especially for the heavy feathering to prevent skin infections like mud fever.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

Considered gentle, intelligent, eager to learn, and extremely steady-nerved.

Living & Exercise

Requires a lot of space due to its size, needing large stables or open stabling.

Health & Grooming

Prone to skin issues on the legs (mud fever) and chronic progressive lymphedema.

History

Descended from medieval 'Great Horses', later becoming a central draft animal in agriculture and breweries.

Shire Horse | Horse Breeds