Gentle giants: Could the Shire horse be extinct in 10 years?
10 December 2019
One hundred years ago, there were a million Shire horses working the land in Britain. Today, there are fewer than 3,000.
Some breeders fear they could be extinct within 10 years...
Shire horses are now a rare breed
Philippa helps vaccinate Shire horses which are now a rare breed and could become extinct.
Kerry Tanner and his wife Cheryl have been breeding award-winning Shire horses for over 25 years.
Theyβre a massive animal but theyβre so gentle itβs incredible.
These gentle giants, which are a rare breed, have long been a passion for Kerry.
“I’ve been involved with Shires all my life, since I was a child,” says Kerry.
“My uncle was the last farmer in the area to work with Shires. Everyone else had tractors and he still had a horse and cart. They’re a massive animal but they’re so gentle it’s incredible.”
“They’re so calm, and docile, and quiet,” says Cheryl.
“We take them to shows and the kids come up to them, and they’ll just let the kids smooth them all day.
“Me, they bite and push me about, but once the kids come, it’s as if they know.”
Good health and successful foaling are vital for the survival of this breed.
With the passion shown by horse lovers like Kerry and Cheryl, and regular help from a vet, there’s still hope for the future of the Shire breed.
