On the question of which horse is the smallest breed, each person will answer without hesitation - a pony. And if you ask a question about the largest breed of horses? Here, not everybody can answer quickly. The largest breed of horse is Shire. Let's find out more about their appearance and origin.
Appearance history
To find out where the horses of the Shire breed came from, you have to look back many centuries ago. Scientists say that the ancient Romans had a hand in their appearance on the British Isles. Like it or not, it's hard to say for sure. But it can be said with certainty that the forerunners of modern Shire were the horses of William the Conqueror, who used battle horses in the fight for England, which instilled fear in the English by their very appearance. 
Over time, by mixing local breeds of large horses, the Shire appeared. A lot of work in the careful selection of shires was invested by scientist Robert Bakewell. In the middle of the 17th century, by crossing with the best representatives of heavy horses, he brought to light an improved version of the Shire horses, which, by their strength and might, became famous throughout the continent.
Did you know? The largest horse named Mammoth was registered in 1846, its height 220 cm was recognized as the highest in history.
Characteristics and description of the breed
The main feature of the shires is proportionally developed body parts. The wide and strong back and a sacrum provide huge working capacity and force.
Learn more about the nuances of breeding horses of Akhal-Teke, Oryol trotter, Vladimir heavy-weighted, Friesian, Appaloosa, Arabian, Tinker, Falabella.
Height and weight
The height at the withers ranges from 1 m 65 cm to a record 2 m 20 cm. Weight from 900 kg to 1200 kg, but animals are known, whose body weight reached 1500 kg. Mares are slightly lower - their growth varies between 130-150 cm. 
Important! For the full development of the Shire needed daily physical exercise and good nutrition. Such a horse eats almost in two times more than usual. He eats about 20 kg of hay per day.
Exterior
Let's find out what these world famous heavyweights look like - they have a large head, big eyes and nostrils, a nose with a small crook. The shape of the body is a bit like a barrel. A long and powerful neck, smoothly turning into a wide and strong back, powerful chest and muscular legs with wide hoofs - this is how the Shire draft horses look. A massive jaw is an undesirable trait.
Did you know? From the 17th century, Shair horses were described as black horses with white legs (in white stockings). This suit does not lose popularity in England to this day.
Suit
Shires have rich colors - there are bay, red, black and gray horses. In general, the choice of colors will satisfy even the most fastidious animal lovers. Among the mares are chaly specimens. But tribal standards allow for white spots on the horse's body. An interesting feature of this breed is the presence of white stockings on the hind legs and bald spots behind the ears.
Character
Looking at the representatives of the breed of the largest horses in the world, you unwittingly imagine their cool and unbridled temper. But in reality this is absolutely not the case. Shire have a calm and docile disposition. They are easy to learn. Due to these qualities, they are often crossed with breeding horses, with the result that stallions are born, which are then ideal for participating in competitions and triathlon. 
Important! The optimal type of gait for a horse is a gait. Shaire is difficult to make a run at a gallop. In addition, to cope with the giant at this speed, as well as slow it down by force, not every rider.
Distinctive features
Inside the breed of horses, heavy horses, too, has its own characteristics. For example, Yorkshire shires are distinguished by their stamina, outwardly they are more lean, but shakes from Cambridge have thicker friezes (hair at the bottom of the knee joint).
Breed today
In connection with the automation of many industrial processes in the 50s of the twentieth century, interest in this breed has somewhat subsided. But the popularity of Share heavy horses abroad, their participation in exhibitions and competitions provoked a new jump in the growth of their popularity. To date, Shire actively participate in competitions for plowing fields, in horse racing, at exhibitions. Also, they can often be found in harness, carrying beer or kvass on various city holidays. 
This breed of horses is deservedly considered the property of England. And it's not just that they come from there. It was the shires that helped the mainland industry to “put on its feet”: shipbuilding, railways, agriculture, transportation of goods — in each industry the hardworking shire carriers were reliable helpers of the British.
