What’s the biggest horse breed in the world? What’s the tallest horse ever? We take a look at the equine record breakers
The biggest horse breed in the world is the Shire horse.
Standing on average 173cm high at the shoulder the shire horse is a British breed of heavy draught horse that was used throughout history for farm work and towing barges and other general work vehicles, including brewery wagons.
The breed dates back to the 18th century with a breed society forming in 1876, and two years later the first stud-book was published in 1878.
These beautiful majestic, gentle giants are black, bay (brown with black mane and tail) and grey and famed for their big feathers around their fetlocks (ankles).
In the 19th century shire numbers boomed. The Shire Breed Society reported that the railway companies had a stud of 6,000 horses – probably shires. The society also estimates carrier firms had around 19,000 horses in London alone, whilst the city’s rubbish collection would have employed another 1,500 horses – probably draught breeds.
However with the rise of motor vehicles and farm machinery in the early 20th century shire numbers declined from well over a million in Britain to just a few thousand by the 1960s and today it is considered a rare breed.
Did you know the Household Cavalry’s drum horse is a shire horse called Juno? Look out for her at ceremonial occasions like Trooping of the Colour.
Want to see these gentle giants in their finery? Visit the National Shire Horse Show
What is the biggest horse in the world
The tallest horse ever is believed to have been a shire gelding named Mammoth, foaled in 1846 in Toddington Mills, Bedfordshire, England.
He measured an impressive 21.2 hands (86 inches or 218 cm) at the withers and had a peak weight of around 3,360 pounds (1,520 kg). Originally named Sampson, until he was four year’s old, his record as the tallest horse has stood for many years.
Saddle up for a journey into the equestrian world
Ever wondered if horse riding’s a sport? Or are you curious about the ins and outs of equine ownership? If so, check out our feature about how much it costs to own a horse.
And, if you’re looking for present ideas, don’t miss our handpicked selection of best gifts for horse lovers.