Hello.

Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Norfolk

Well i thought i better say hello as i have a million questions to ask but didnt want to seem to bombard them with out introducing myself.
I used to ride years ago as my friend does showjumping but after a bad fall i have not ridden for over 15 years until now... I wont ride any of my friends horses as they are to highly strung (TB) for my liking. but recently she has recieved a shire x horse come from an owner for her to compete for them,, i instantly took a liking to him and yes i took the plunge and got on.. oh he is such a sweetie,, i still havent got alot of confidence back but all in good time. Anyway here is where it goes wrong... the owners maybe selling him and as he is a showjumper i wouldnt want to pay for what they will be asking for him... so my next thought is maybe to buy myself a shire to ride... how does that sound to you shire pro`s out there, is it too soon and should i wait to see if my full confidence is going to return before taking the plunge??

Newbie Joined: 19 Jul 2010 Posts: 9

Its a long way down if you do fall off...Skip is 18'2.

But Skip is a gentle giant

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:20 pm

I took the plunge - had a shire as my first horse, and have never looked back. (the one on my avatar). Do your research, know the beast and I think you'll be fine - handled well, they are adorable creatures - but completely different to finer breeds when it comes to diet, feet, needs etc!!

Personally, I'd take the plunge!! Very Happy

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:27 pm

hi sash and a big welcome!! 1st of all do you have experience in horse care because riding is just a small part of owing horses its the day to day routine that horse owners spend most of their time doing and thats the area where owners need to be knowledgable.
but if you know your general horse care then go for it!! owning shires is such a great experience, or even a heavy bombproof cob? i wouldn't recommend anything young as they nearly always need work and are not the best confidence givers! an older, steady neddy to plod around the lanes on would probably bring you a lot of enjoyment.
my clydesdale mare is 16, shes 17.1hh very very good in traffic, quiet natured and we have an amazing bond. i would definately recommend a type like mine to a novice.
wheras my shire filly, who is 16 months old and is going to be huge (16hh now) is a handful! she obviously cannot be ridden for 2 years but to handle shes only for the experienced or else she just runs you ragged! a huge bouncy crazy baby Laughing

Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Norfolk

Yes have been researching already and my word there is big differences, slightly worried that if i take the plunge it will be kept at a yard with TB etc.. so will have to make sure everyone knows of these differences as they have already said " it can just eat the same as ours" i dont think so. Definately wont be rushing into this. Also im hoping being at a yard where there is no relationship between horse and rider it wont make my life to difficult as some horses do turn a bit unsociable at these places. planning on lots of tlc for mine so hopefully the relationship wouldnot be damaged by others.., hope this is making sense,, trying to put things politely as i dont want to upset anyone. but im sure people know the type of yard i mean!!

Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Norfolk

Thank you michellejohn,, yes i have experience in day to day horse care as i am up the yard mucking out grooming and bathing most of my time,, then away at competitions at weekends.
I am thinking that something sensible would be great as youngster would do nothing for my confidence lol.

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:41 pm

your definately not upsetting me sash i fully understand! we had our 1st horse ( a 14.3hh cob) in a livery yard and it was not for me, very catty environment and everyone has a say on the way you care for your horse/how you ride it/ what you feed it/wether you rug it etc etc! we were lucky enough to get some land of our own behind our house but another alternative to buying land is renting a field with a shelter, its much better with just one or two friends that you can agree with. someone who wont interfere with the way you do things or ruin your hobby.

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:52 pm

oh another thought, - if you were looking at buying a shire, some yards dont cater for horses that large, stables can be too small, low down and some dont want enormous dinner plate sized hooves churning their paddocks up. a lot of yards round here wont take bigger than 16.2hh!
im looking into having stables built for my horses and they are going to be made to measure as standard sizes are too small for my monsters lol! Laughing

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 3:50 pm

I can echo Michelle on the stable front. Mine is a fairly compact 17h and he has to put up with a 14 x 12ft stable but I would like bigger. There are only two large boxes on my livery yard so I was very lucky to get one. Plus now I can never move as no other yards have anything bigger than 12 x 12. One day (when i have wont he lottery, it is only a matter of time)I will have my own land.
Owning a shire though, best thing I ever did. They are not easy, some people are intimidated by thier size (can be tricky on a livery yard)everything costs twice as much but worth it.

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:05 pm

loubie, i thought i was winning the lottery?

its very true though, they do cost twice as much and everything has to be bigger. I have to buy my bits from america cos bonnie needs a 7 inch and tack shops largest sizes inc robinsons are a 6 inch. stables, trailers, land all has to be bigger, forget about loading a shire into an ifor williams 505! ( the most commonly seen trailer) it has to be a 510, which are very rarely under £3500 in excellent condition. and if its a horse that needs shoes, they have to be specially made for shires feet even the nails! my farrier shoes horses for £60 a set but quoted me £120 for shires and clydesdales.
its all worth having a good think about, not something to rush into but if you have the space, time and money its so worth it!
xx

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:26 pm

Hey Sash, welcome aboard!
my very first horse, whom i still have is a Shire, Quarter horse cross. i also have two other shires.
my shire/QH mare is one of the calmest horses i've ever been around. dont confuse that with dull or stupid, she is smart as a whip.
she is only 15.3.hh so kinda short on the draft side. Smile

i have had kids climb all around and up her and she just stands there calm as can be.
I personally would never get a so called hot horse, I love the calm easy going nature of the Shires. they really do fit the title "gentle Giants"
of course my mare also fits the title, stubborn bi*^ch Evil or Very Mad

, and too smart for her own good Confused

. but i love her. Smile

good luck on your search.

I figure the taller a horse is the more time you have to plan your un-planned dismount on the way down . Razz

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:48 pm

Hey Michelle, you can win it too. I am very patient and dont mind waiting if you wanna win it this week? I have a lot on this week anyway Laughing

Back on topic... My farrier charges 130 a set (1 was paying 140 for two fronts at one point, egg bars!) Now I only pay 35 for a trim which is marvelous. Funny how I gasp at the thought of spending 130 quid on shoes for myself, and they would last longer!

Transport was a nightmare but as we dont get out much ,that stress was reserved for trips to the vets (also not something I would care to repeat) He fitted amazingly well in a Ifor 505 (he is quite dinky really), needs a towing vehicle with a bit of grunt though!

Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Norfolk

Thanks all for the replies, one good thing is the travelling should be ok with a 18 tonne lorry lol. Will be taking into account all the advice i am getting from here and hopefully the shire x which is there at the moment will stay long enough for me to decide what to do when he has gone.
Just need to get him out of the bad habits he has picked up since arriving .. like suddenly he doesnt stand still while i get on and the others that ride him dont mind him marching off but i do and think its bad manners. lol.

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 5:16 pm

yoohoo sash, I only have "halfa" shire Laughing

welcome on board xxx

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 5:21 pm

Hmm tricky one that, if his other riders are letting him that may be a hard one! That would do my head in too I must admit.
Samson was out of work for about 18months and I started to ride him again recently, I have no idea why but he seems to have forgotten the stand at the mounting block routine (as soon as you step up on the block he takes a tiny step away with his back end, just far enough that you are tempted to just go for it!)
It is slowly coming back to him but it takes a couple of minutes each time, Once I am on he still stands like a rock and I can faff about all I like, its just that annoying little step away.

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 5:21 pm

haha! my turn to win the lottery this week u next week! what should we buy 1st? i know, lets go on a trip to the bahamas to think about it!
sash, its no good when they walk while someones trying to mount. i have all monty roberts books and been to 2 of his demos and he said hes known of people being killed that way! Shocked

definately a bad habit that needs to be corrected. xx

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 5:24 pm

A friend of mine got hurt quite bad in a 'mounting incident' and still has a bad limp because of it. She always jokes that the worst fall she ever had was from a stationary horse.

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 5:28 pm

yeah, if u were half on and the horse set off u could get dragged along by the stirrup. i can imagine thats not good!

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 6:11 pm

Hi Sash and welcome. I would also strongly recommend getting a shire, if you want a loving, gentle, level-headed companion that will cost you an arm and a leg! Laughing

Worth every single penny though.

My one and only attempt at mounting my shire was a disaster - picture hanging upside down with arms wrapped around his neck. He was so good, though - stood perfectly still and waited for me to gently slump to the ground. Laughing

An experience never to be repeated!

Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Norfolk

WOW thank you for all the welcomes,, i feel at home already. i have also learnt so much from this site on only my first day.
Yes the mounting issue is getting me down now but i will stick to it and try to teach him right from wrong again.
Not going to worry about if or when he goes until it is final, im going to enjoy the time we have and cross that bridge if the owner wants to get rid of him.

Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2010 9:36 pm

hiya there im new to the forum i have a shire x he is just short of 17h he is so quiet he is 7 year old i have a dales pony an a gypsey cob and my treacle is the best out the lot you can sit with him while he is laid down they such gentle giants, they are hard work with there lovely feathers but i wouldnt be without a shire in my life

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 7:19 am

you have a Dales tell me more .....

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 7:49 am

Sash...I haven't read all of the postes here..only your first one.
You know what....I think you need to go with your heart...and you know what that means im sure. You can handle the decision without absolutely no problem and the practicalities of horse ownership. Honestly....If I can do it (did it)...anybody can....Good luck and just enjoy the process because im sure it will be exciting and you will never regret it..x

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 8:07 am

Good luck with it all!!!! I've never been on a livery yard, but I've heard about them. I think if you find somewhere small and relaxed, then you'll be fine - or try to rent your own land!??

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 10:10 am

sash, you sound ready to me ! a gentle older shire will build your confidence no end. I would reccomend finding a field to rent though, with someone else to share, speaking from experience , i had monty on livery yard when i first had him. and soon god fed up, even drained to the point i wondered why i was doping it..this was supposed to be ME time, for me and my horse, my hobbie, my pleasure. but i began dreading going as everyone there was an expert..and all giving me conflicted advise ! I am so much happier now i have my own place..and this reflects onto monty ..he has come so far since we moved, listened to me more and our bond is so unique !

on the mounting side of things, i get the shuffle bum away at the mount, scares me, so i startted taking him to a fence, with a chair to mount off, that way he couldnt shuffle away from me ..and now i can get on near enough anywhere, as long as he dont have to wait very long if you get what i mean lol !
I recently took a very poor dismount from my friends 16h cob. as his neck is much shorter than montys, so as i leaned forward to flip my leg over, he put his neck right down, , and i went head first and sort of somersaulted over his head !!...my shoulder was very sore for a while, but my pride didnt take too long to heal, as it was only me and my friend and we both found it highly hilarious !..just imagining doing that back on the livery yard......lol

i wish you all the best , and i am sure we will be reading about a new shire or shire x on the site soon enough !!!

Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2010 5:08 pm

I didnt settle on the Livery yard either x we rent poor grazing and stable the boys in the garden works for us x

Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 6:44 am

Welcome Sash. You go for it, sounds to me like you have already made your mind up. Very Happy

Keep on with the research until you get him/her.

Good luck Very Happy

Senior Friend Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 160

I likr the look of Thomas on the Shire Horse Society Web Wink

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 8:57 pm

hiya everyone i have a shire x he 99.9% shire i have a dales and gypsey cob i love them all but ide have shires over and over again there such beautiful animals and gentle to

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 9:16 pm

gypsy cobs are beautiful too dawn xx

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 9:46 pm

yer there all beautiful animals

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2010 9:47 pm

full feather floating lovely xx