Spur Publications Company, 1976, Hardcover (Original Cloth), Book Condition: Good, Dust Jacket Condition: Good, Second

This is a concise history of the Shire Horse. It traces the evolution of the Great Horse from the chariot horse of the ancient Britons, through the centuries, showing how the functional requirements fashioned the characteristics seen today. There are many interesting facts which emerge. As oxen were replaced by horses strong, heavy animals were required. Linked with this fact, was the introduction of laws which fostered the development of the breed. Besides giving service as War Horses they were also used for pulling carriages. This book was originally published as The Great Horse or Shire Horse in the heyday of the breed. Since then there has been a decline in the breed and, more recently, a renewed interest in reviving the Great Horse not only as an animal held with great affection, but also as a working horse. A brief note on the present state of the Shire Horse Society brings the description into the present day. There are 17 illustrations, showing the development of the Shire Horse. On the jacket the illustration is of a modern-day horse. He is Barley an 11 year old Shire Gelding owned by the Courage Shire Horse Centre, Maidenhead. This book should be of interest to all who have respect for the strong, gentle giant known as the Shire Horse. First Thus. Size: Octavo (standard book size). 70 pages. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. in archive acetate film protection. Dust Jacket un-clipped. Gilt titles spine. Library stamps & labels to spine & front end-paper. illustrated by b/w. drawings. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 500 grams. Category: Farming & Rural Life; History; Horses; Shire Horses; Britain/UK; Animals & Birds. ISBN: 0904558134. ISBN/EAN: 9780904558135. Inventory No: 3189.