are shires still popular?

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spotsmum

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As I am cutting down a bit on amount of horses, I put 2 ads for loan with view to buy for my warmblood and my shire mare. Have had loads of calls for warmblood but none for shire.
Just wondered if they were out of fashion or its just the credit crunch and people not wanting a huge horse!
 
I had a "small" (17hh) shire as a livery for most of last year. He was the most charming and trainable horse on the yard. He moved good enough to do BD and had enough jump for low level BSJA. He was ridden by everyone, from competing riders to nervous part-time helpers, and the riders always dismounted with a smile on their faces. He had huge energy combined with the heart of a saint.
Sadly Shires are not as fashionable as "warmbloods".
 
It maybe that people dont see them as riding horses, and is it much more difficult to find things such as rugs and tack to fit?, and how much more to feed.

I love em, and have seen a few people riding them, but is the cost much more?
 
I knew a small (17hh) shire too. Was the most amazing horse I've ever met. But yes, they're not fasionable and don't realise what a real (not show bred silly leggy) shire can really do....
 
I want one! Always wanted one, but I can't have another horse
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I think they are the most amazing horses ever
NIckie
 
Someone on my yard just bought one, I don't think they were *looking for* a shire, it just happened to be the right horse at the right time. I think he's really sweet but I wouldn't have one (huuuuge)!
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My mare is so trainable and great to have around. I find 7ft rugs fit nicely, and just by ex full bridle. Saddle is a 17.5in. Doesnt eat any more in fact less than 16.3 warmblood, as keeps weight well, and doesnt need shoes.
I think people just prefer finer ironing board types.
 
Will she drive? or just ride, we were looking for a shire but prefer to buy, unfortunatly have to sell two first. there are more ridden classes now for heavies so maybe more people are riding them.
 
I have one (well he is 3/4 but shh) and I don't think I would have anything else now!
Yes, I have met plenty of people who look down his nose at him for not being a warmblood or tb, but there are people who do want heavy horses to ride.
There is demand for shire types for large men to a) learn to ride on and b) hunt on, so maybe advertise him as one of these?
And no, they don't really cost more, my boy is fairly cheap to run! They live off thin air so no buying this hard feed rubbish
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, and you can pick up 'extra large' or 'extra full' things at local tack shops fairly cheaply as hardly anyone wants them!
 
Conversely, a lady at my last yard had a Shire, and he was a horror. He knew exactly how big and strong he was, and what he could get away with (quite a lot). Unfortunately, she wasn't really confident enough to lay down the law with him, and he ended up as a complete sod who put her into Casualty. Shire horses are gorgeous, but you have to view them as giant-sized stroppy ponies, and manage them accordingly.
 
I have an old 18.2hh shire. They are lovely to ride and not just plods. They definitley know their own strength and if they can get away with it will take the p*ss.
 
i have just bought shire x and agree with th 7ft rug, 17.5 inch saddle xtra full bridel and his feet are good enough to go barefoot!!! He is adorable and everyone loves him!!!!

I think as someone rightly said people are wanting the flashy warmblood as dare i say it it's fashionable to the muppets who buy fashionable nags not ones that are suitable

(sorry all competant and good warmblood owners- we have had muppets with us in the past)
 
It just proves that I've said in the past, Dopes on a rope are made not born! You have to be extra stright with them becuase they are that much bigger. Riding a lively heavy is fantastic though, one of my best riding experiences was galloping up a hill on a fresh shire, just unlimited power.
 
There used to be a shire at the riding stables I went to when I was younger, as I was tall I got to ride all the bigger horses, while friends rode the little ponies, my favourite "free ride" ever was on their shire (again a small one 16.3/17hh) he was an angel and so comfy, he liked to jog everywhere but it was just like being on a rocking horse
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I was the envy of all my friends that day!!
 
I prefer them to an ironing board type. She is only for loan as I havnt the time and dont want her to go backwards. I def dont think they mature as quick, and she still seems babyish at 5.

If I didnt have the stroppy cob and 3 other cobs I would def keep her. I think you are right, they need a firm but fair hand so dont use their strength to their advantage.

She used to barge gates and walk through people. much better manners now tho. Its like riding in a shakletons chair lol!
 
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