Taxonomic Name: Equus ferus caballus

Breed History: These horses became an established breed in the late 1800s and were traditionally used for farm work and road transport.  

Diet: High-quality grass, hay or a mix of grasses and legumes. Shire draft horses eat 1.5-3% of their body weight every day.

Longevity: 25-30 years; with proper care, they can live up to 35 years.

Size: 178 cm or 17.2 hands (height at shoulder)

Weight: 850 – 1,100 kg

Fun Fact: Shire draft horses can pull a lot of weight! In 1924, a pair of Shire draft horses was estimated to pull a load equal to 50 tonnes.

APZ Location: McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre

Conservation Story: This breed of domestic horse quickly declined in popularity during the early 19th century, as powered farm equipment rose in popularity. Livestock organizations are currently working to preserve the Shire draft horse breed for its historical significance.

On your next visit to the Zoo, come say hi to our Shire draft horses, Willy and Willow, at the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre! They are both seven years old, and you can tell them apart by the white hair on their legs. Willow has a white patch on her hoof and pastern, while Willy has white on all four of his legs.