Ash End House Children's Farm, Middleton Lane, Middleton, Nr. Tamworth, Staffs, B78 2BL
Tel No. 0121 329 3240, e-mail: contact@childrensfarm.co.uk

All About Shires

Shire Horse Pages on our website: The Shire Horse Centre All About Shires Meet Our Shires Shire Horse Shows

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This picture is of two horses pulling a cart. Different types of horses have always been used by humans as working animals. In England the Shire horse is an important breed of heavy horse that is used for any hard work that needs a reliable and strong animal.

Horses were used before tractors, lorries and buses. They would have towed carts full of goods, pulled ploughs across fields and even gone to war.

Shire owners have always been very proud of their horses. They take them to competitions called Horse Shows. The owner of the best horse wins a cup and rosette. There are other prizes for the best carriage.

Horses have their manes and tails combed and tied with special bows to make them look their best. Their harness is cleaned and polished as well.

This old photo shows how a pair of horses would have been used to pull a large load. Delivery lorries and trucks slowly replaced the use of horses but one the last ways Shires were used was to deliver barrels of beer to pubs. The barrels would have been very heavy.