October 19, 2001, Newsletter Issue #60: Safety, A Summarization & The Shire Horse

Tip of the Week

Summing Up All Areas

1) Always wear an ASTM approved helmet, gloves, and boots with a heel. Always talk to your horses, and let them know what you are doing and planning on doing.

2) In the Cross Ties, always use Quick Release Snaps on the ties (which should always be elastic). Go around the rear of a horse with your hand pressing softly into the horse as you go. Always have rubber mats or another non-slip surface on the ground.

3) Never stand in front of or behind any horse, they cannot see directly in front of, or behind, themselves. Always do every action calmly and confidently, as horses are suspicious of anyone who is nervous, timid or scared. Never tease a horse!

3) Check All Gates/Doors to be sure they are fully opened before bringing any horse through. Be sure to always put everything away after use; recoil hoses, lock up electrical cords.

4) Make sure that beginners do not ride unsupervised; and never in a pasture or on a Cross Country Course without a mounted experienced Coach/Instructor along. Never ride in barn aisleways or to/from the barn.

5) Always obey the posted rules! Have Fun! and a Good GO! with every experience!

For the remainder of this article, stop by my bio page and find the link to my home site. Then, you will find the Breed of the Week column and the Discipline of the Week Revue for 10/23/01** and read on about Safety in the Barn!

The Shire Horse

The SHIRE Horse in America was formed by the American Shire Horse Association in 1885. Prior to this, (formed in 1878) the English Cart Horse Society kept all records on file regarding ownership and registrations of the Shire Horse in Europe and America.

The Shire Horse began in the Lowlands of the eastern and central regions of England. Names of Merit for the famed Shire Horse are: The Great Horse, The War Horse, The Cart Horse, Old English Black Horses, The Giant Leicestershire Horse, and The Strong Horse.

The Shire Horses bloodlines combine the German, Flemish, and English Draft Horses. Robert Bakewell imported large mares from Holland in the mid 1700`s and began to formulate the current Shire Horse bloodlines, and set a Standard of Excellence for the Shire Horse.

Shire Horses came to Canada as Artillery Horses in 1836 and into the US in 1853. Once in America, the Shire was used primarily for farming. The Shire has not yet received great recognition in America, purported for their sluggish temperment; which is great for farming and Draft work, but not for Sport Horses pleasures.

For the remainder of this article, stop by my bio page and find the link to my home site. Then, you will find the Breed of the Week column and the Discipline of the Week Revue for 10/23/01** and read on about The SHIRE Horse!

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