shire

While no one knows exactly where the Shire breed originated, there are some theories of their beginnings.  England is most likely the origination location; and if they were not the first breeders of the Shire horse; they at least were responsible for producing them.  The horses have strength and courage, and discipline that made them great Britain war horses.

Shire horses are sometimes referred to as the English Great Horse, and many believe that the strongest horses in England are all somehow related to the Shire breed.  The government of england for years aimed to increase the size and number of horses in the Shire breed, likely to be able to carry soldiers who wore armor weighing over 400 pounds!  Blending of horses in the lowlands of Flanders of Holland with the horses in elbe have resulted in England's heaviest horses.  Most are black with white markings over their faces and feet, and some have white markings on their legs as well. 

From 1509 to 1547, during the reign of Henry VIII, the raising and breeding of strong horses was priority and laws were passed to encourage it.  In Scotland, during 1535 and 1541, people were not allowed to breed horses under 15 hands in height.

The Shire was a national treasure of a horse, particularly in the 1800's.  High in demand for decades, the large horses with great strength were necessary to fulfill the needs of empire and war.