THE SHIRE DRAFT HORSE 207 



and strong. The cannons are fairly full, the pasterns 

 inclined to be straight and the feet large, with rather flat 

 heels. The backs of the cannons support a long growth 

 of hair, as in the Clydesdales, which should be long, fine 

 and flowing, as this indicates quality. 



Criticisms of the Shire. — As in the Clydesdale, the 

 hairy legs are much criticized, particularly in America. 

 The rather straight shoulders and straight, short pas- 

 terns result in lack of action. The feet are often too flat, 

 with heels too low. Owing to the weight, criticism is 

 often passed on the lack of quality and the sluggish tem- 

 perament. 



Uses of the Shire draft horse. — This breed is useful for 

 heavy draft and for crossing on native common mares, in 

 which capacity it is an important factor in improving our 

 horse stock for draft purposes. This is attested by the 

 high prices obtained for Shire grades upon our horse 

 markets. In 1904 a Shire gelding, weighing 2,210 

 pounds, sold for $865, which, at that time, was the highest 

 price reported. 



Distribution of the Shire draft horse. — This breed en- 

 joys great popularity in England, where it is first among 

 draft horses. From, England it has spread into most 

 other English-speaking countries and to Europe and 

 South America ; particularly to Germany and Argentine 

 Republic. In America it is most popular in the north 

 central states, especially in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. 



Organizations and records. — The English Cart Horse 

 Society was organized in 1878 and a stiid book estab- 

 lished. In 1884 the name of the society was changed to 

 the" Shire Horse Society, which at present has a large and 

 influential membership. Thirty odd volumes of the stud 

 book have appeared, recording rriany thousands of 

 animals. In 1885 the American Shire" Association was 

 organized and a stud book established, of which eight 

 volumes have been published containing a total of 12,850 

 pedigrees. 



