Shire horses have been part of our rural heritage since the 17th century. Direct descendants of the great battle horses of late medieval times, they were used as draught horses in farming and industry for over 300 years and are still the most recognisable breed of British horse.
The tallest horse in history was believed to be a Shire called Mammoth, standing at just over 21.2 hands (86.25 inches, 219 cm). In 1924, at a British exhibition, a pair of Shire horses was estimated to have pulled a starting load equal to 45 tons (equivalent to about 34 Ford Fiestas!)
They've been a feature of the Alrewas Show for over a hundred years, but as their use in agriculture has been superceded by tractors and other farming machinery, their population has dwindled to less than 1500, putting them on the "At Risk" register of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Nowadays, Shires are mostly kept for promotional uses and for showing, though there are a few breweries that still use them to deliver to local hostelries. The Alrewas Show is proud to play its part in promoting these superb animals, with our Shires competitions attracting dozens of entries from all over the country.
You can find out more about Shire horses by visiting the Shire Horse Society website.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Gelding (3 years old and upwards, Heavy Horse type) |
| 02 | Barren Mare (3 years old and upwards) |
| 03 | Two year old Filly, Colt or Gelding |
| 04 | Yearling Colt, Filly or Gelding |
| 05 | Brood Mare, 3 years old and over, to be shown with her foal at foot. Mare only to be judged |
| 06 | Colt Foal |
| 07 | Filly Foal |
| 08 | Any Other Heavy Horse |
| 09 | Young Handler |
| 10 | Ridden Heavy Horse |
ALREWAS SHOW SHIRE CHAMPIONSHIP (Sponsored by Tarmac)
ALREWAS SHOW FOAL CHAMPIONSHIP
All exhibitors will receive a personal gift courtesy of Tarmac
Tricia and Graham Mortimer Lichfield
Mordearg Shires Weston under Lizzard
Mr Ian Kirkland Alrewas
John and Marion Feather Alrewas
Dr Elaine and David Garratt Alrewas
Katie Clark Tamworth
Paul and Kathy Strickland Alrewas
The Harrison Family Alrewas
Mr Stuart Johnson Croxall
Carol and Les Wedgbury Alrewas
Julia and David Green Middleton
Mrs Denise Badger Solihull
Mr Simon Livesey Ashby
The National Forest Spring Water Company Melbourne
An Alrewas Lady
Mrs Maxine Foulkes Curborough
Mr and Mrs R Whelan Burton on Trent
Mr and Mrs R Stoes Derby
Mrs Helen Roberts Kidderminster
Mr Antony Coates Alrewas
Whites Animal Feeds Atherstone
