182 VARIETIES OF THE HORSE 



have studied the matter and thought it well out to decide what is correct 

 and what is not, in connection with the attributes of the breed, as it is 

 certain that the practical men in whose hands the variety now is, would 

 be the last to introduce any fancy points into the composition of an 

 animal in the excellence and utility of which they take so much pride, 

 and whose development is a source of both profit and pleasure to 

 themselves. 



From the ancestry and uses of the Shire horses we pass on to notice 

 the general appearance and the salient features of the breed. Here 

 we have based our description upon the ideas of the late Mr. Sexton, 

 which are published in the official Stud-book of the Shire Horse Society. 

 It may, however, be premised that while differences may be found in 

 the appearance of the horses that come from different districts, it is 

 noticeable that during the past few years a greater uniformity of character 

 has been brought about through the efforts of the Shire Horse Society, 

 and the loyal support it has received from breeders and exhibitors in 

 all parts of the country. This is to be accounted for by the facilities 

 for interbreeding which the development of railways has provided, and also 

 by the strict adherence to the standard that has been set up by members 

 of the society and outside breeders alike, whilst the general disposition 

 that exists to support the same type, is in itself a resolution that has 

 most favourably influenced the progress of the breed during the past few 

 years. 



As to the matter of conformation, it need hardly be said that in 

 the general make-up of the Shire horse the head is a very important 

 feature, and particularly in the case of the stallion. Here it should 

 be of decidedly masculine appearance, with nothing of the gelding or 

 "quality horse" about it. It should lie long, not too lean, but massive, 

 with a broad forehead, long thin ears pointing rather forwards, and 

 bright and fairly prominent eyes. The forehead should neither be too 

 prominent nor too flat, The nostrils should be capacious, and the jaw 

 deep and strong, with a liberal distribution of strong hairs over the skin. 

 It can scarcely be contended that the head-piece of a Shire horse is exactly 

 pretty, but when well set out and in harmony with the rest of the body it 

 gives finish and character to the whole. The neck is of fair length only, 

 but not too long, rather substantially developed, nicely arched, and well 

 proportioned; whilst the shoulders, which are a most important point 

 in connection with the development of any variety of draught horse, should 

 slope a little from the withers downward and forward, but not too much so. 

 If they are too straight the movements are clumsy, and the activity of 

 the horse becomes impaired; whilst on the other hand, if they slant like 



