THE SHIRE 



127 



Important Shire stallions of breeding fame in England seem 

 to date back to about 1755. 



Packington Blind Horse, said to have been foaled about 1 760, 

 is recognized as a prepotent force in early days in the counties 

 of Leicester and Derby. 



Honest Tom (1062), foaled in 1806 in Lincolnshire, was a 

 prominent sire in his day and his descendants proved his merit. 





FIG. 46. Blythwood Conqueror (14997), a Shire stallion of great merit, 

 representative of the best type. Famous in England as a sire and show 

 horse. Owned by Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart. Photograph from the owner 



This horse at five years of age sold for 300 guineas ($i 500). He 

 was also known as Old Tom, alias Little David, alias Old David. 



John Bull (i 169), for a time owned by gypsies, also proved a 

 valuable sire in early days. 



Lincolnshire Lad II (1365), foaled in 1872, a gray in color, is 

 one of the best known modern sires of show-ring winners. He 

 stood 1 7 hands high, had an excess of hair, was somewhat lack- 

 ing in depth of body, but had much ambition and courage and 

 proved a great breeder. 



