About the Foundation
The purpose for which the corporation is organized are as follows:
To
solicit and expend funds for the following charitable purposes:
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To provide cultural, historical and educational insight into the Shire horse.
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To conduct studies, instruction, training and research for the continual growth and perpetuation of the Shire horse.
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To carry out any lawful purpose permitted a charitable educational organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or comparable provisions of subsequent legislation, including the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3).
About the Shire Horse
OVERVIEW
The Shire Horse is considered by many to be Britain's finest draft
horse. Like the other heavy draft breeds, it is descended from the
"Great Horse" developed in the Middle Ages. Generally the largest of the
draft breeds, the Shire was bred as a war horse, easily carrying three
or four hundred pounds of rider and armor. With the passing of the
tournament and heavily armored knight, the ancestor of the Shire Horse
was put to work in harness pulling carts over rough roads and plows on
the farm. It was bred principally in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire
where the soil was deep and there was a need for a horse of considerable
size and strength. The Shire became the largest and most powerful draft
horse in Britain. It is used by brewers in cities in stylish teams to
pull beer wagons, in weight-pulling competition and in plowing
competition.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The Shire is a horse of great size: a mature stallion stands between
16.2 and 19.2 hands and weighs up to 2200 pounds. Mares and geldings are
slightly less massive. It has relatively large, wide-set and expressive
eyes, the nose may be rather convex ("Roman"). The shoulders are large
and deep and the body has substantial barrel. The legs are long with
considerable feather about the feet. It is usually found in bay, brown,
black and gray.
ORIGIN
The Shire is descended from the "Great Horse" developed in the Middle
Ages for use in battles and tournaments. The breed's ancestors
subsequently became known as the Old English Black Horse. The name Shire
was given to the breed in the 1700s. It was originally bred in the
counties of Lincoln and Cambridge in east-central England.
INTERESTING FACTS
A team of Shires was observed pulling loads of 18 tons on wheels and 16
tons on a sledge at a show in London. Shires have been exported to North
America in substantial numbers. They are especially popular in Canada
and the western United States.
INFLUENCES
1. Friesian 2. Flanders Horse
For more information:
American Shire Horse Association