Shire
Shire Horse Society
180 cmAdult stallion
at the withers
at the withers
- Mass
- 900–1100 kgZakres rasy
Shire — size comparison
The Shire is among the tallest horse breeds. It has a broad chest, very strong bone, long shoulders and powerful hindquarters. Silky feathering surrounds its la
Silhouette comparison
Height
Ground withersReference values · details in the profiles
HeightScale in m
00,511,52
180 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Shire — size comparison — facts and sources
The Shire is among the tallest horse breeds. It has a broad chest, very strong bone, long shoulders and powerful hindquarters. Silky feathering surrounds its large hooves. Black, bay, brown and grey are common, often with white markings on the head and legs.
The breed developed in Britain for heavy transport and farm work. Size and strength allowed it to pull heavy wagons and perform tasks requiring sustained, substantial draught power. Technological change reduced these uses, but breeding and driving traditions continued.
Shires are usually gentle and patient, calmly undertaking familiar activities. Movement is powerful and regular. Today they appear in display teams, leisure work and forestry. Size is impressive, but cooperation and the steady application of strength remain central to their work.