About the Shire Horse Society

Welcome to the website of the Shire Horse Society – the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire Horse.

Since 1878 the Shire Horse Society has been working to protect the breed, that was then known as the Old English Breed of Cart Horse.

Over the years the Society has worked hard to ensure that the breed continues to grow and to maintain interest in these magnificent horses.

This has not always been easy. Following the decline of the use of horses in industry, transport and agriculture, with the rise of the motor vehicle and the mechanisation of farming, things seemed bleak for the Shire, and in the 1960’s the Society had to take drastic action to reverse the falling numbers of Shires. They have done this with great vigour and now the future of the breed looks good. A resurgence of interest in Shire Horses as both leisure animals and environmentally friendly transport has led to an increase in breeding numbers.

However, the Society is never complacent and there is always more work to do. The Society is constantly working to maintain high breed standards. Stallion inspections are mandatory before full registration in the Stud book.

The Society is also keen to promote awareness of the Shire’s history and future with the general public. The Society runs the Shire Horse Centre at Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, where you can interact with and learn more about these gentle giants. There are also courses run at the centre and special events, including demonstrations of working Shires.

The Shire Horse Society also holds its Spring Show at the East of England Showground every March. The Show is the largest gathering of Shire Horses in the Country. The Society also organises the Shire Horse of the Year Show.

"));