American Shire Horse Association

01/15/2025

We are looking for articles about what our awesome members are doing with their Shires!!! These will be printed in our Spring/Summer newsletter. If you have an idea, please contact Kim Murchison at [email protected]. Thank you!!!

01/15/2025

We would like to welcome Megan Dangel, Kristen Vetter and Charity Harmon to the ASHA Board of Directors. These ladies will start their terms in January 2025. Thank you to all of our candidates for running.

12/14/2024

In honour of the International Day of the Horse

12/11/2024

12 Days of Drafts! Day 8: American Shire
American Shires are sometimes mistaken for Clydesdales due to their similar coloring and feathering (long hairs) on their legs. Most texts agree that the Shire horse developed out of the Great Horse of Britain that had been bred to carry knights into battle. The Clydesdale, which we will discuss another day, has its origins in Scotland while the Shire came out of England.
In the 1800s, the Shire was used to haul freight from docks through the city streets as well as handle deliveries for British businesses. The horses developed for that work were massive with well-muscled, powerful legs, broad chests and deep barrels. They pulled heavy loads over often difficult terrain and so were bred for power and not speed. To stand up under the heavy work, the Shire back then was less refined than what we see today.
When America began using horses to work the fields, haul freight, and otherwise power her westward expansion, Shires were often used to add strength, height and bone to to the usually lighter work horses here. Horsemen appreciated crossbreds that incorporated the Shire qualities but also benefited from the quicker step of the breeds to which they were being crossed.
The Shire today is as well suited to pulling hitch wagons in parades or show rings, as well as working in front of a gang plow or hay loader.
The Shire breed is currently listed in “critical condition” by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy but the teamsters using them are loyal to the breed. Dave and Sas Waldron are among those who demonstrate the versatility and utility of this breed. The photo here shows them driving a Shire team in the Pendleton Roundup Wagon Train in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. Sas's family has a long history of raising Shires, going back generations.
Over the past 40 plus years we’ve published the Draft Horse Wall Calendar, we've featured many Shires doing a variety of work. A hitch of Shires is a striking sight.

12/08/2024

If it's Saturday it must be Beaver Dam. This was our first time in this parade and we really enjoyed it. The crowd was enthusiastic; the weather was great; and everything went well. We can't ask for more.

We want to especially thank Jackie for coming to help us with virtually no notice, and Wayne for coming with his truck to transport our horses and equipment to both Burlington and Beaver Dam when our truck suffered engine problems.

https://facebook.com/events/s/2024-beaver-dam-holiday-parade/1598152501030394/

12/08/2024

11/30/2024

ASHA members should have received their Board of Directors election ballot in your email. If you don't see it, check your "junk" folder!! Thank you for voting:). Voting closes soon, so please check your email and vote if you haven't yet!!!

11/25/2024

11/24/2024

Point Paradise Stables

11/24/2024

11/21/2024

ASHA members should have received their Board of Directors election ballot in your email. If you don't see it, check your "junk" folder!! Thank you for voting:)