Our Shire Horses

Prince
A dark bay Shire gelding, he has a dark face with a small white blaze, and four white socks. Prince was foaled in March 2003, and purchased from Jim Yates in Derbyshire in January 2007.
Height: 17.2 hands
Handled by Barry Petherick (Head Horseman)

Royal
A dark bay Shire gelding with four white socks. Royal was foaled in 1996 and purchased in October 2000 from Paul and Walt Bedford of Deighton Shire Horse stud, Yorkshire.
Height 17.3 hands
Handled by Vince Minty (Horseman)

Max
A dark bay Shire gelding, he was foaled in 2003 and purchased from Jim Yates of Duffield, Derbyshire in April 2006.
Height: 18 hands
Handled by Mike Berry (Horseman)

Tom
A bay Shire gelding foaled in 1996. He has a star on his blaze and four white socks. Tom was purchased from Brian Cooper in Basingstoke.
Height 18.2 hands
Handled by Adrian Noakes (Horseman)

The Shires

Prince, Royal, Max and Tom are the latest in a long line of Shire horses which, apart from a brief interuption, have served Wadworth for over one hundred years. In their heyday, before the arrival of the internal combustion engine, more than forty Shires were used by the Brewery to deliver their already famous beers to local inns and hostelries. Ponies and traps were used by the Brewery's representatives to call on customers. It is a far cry from those tranquil, golden days, but the sight of the Wadworth Shires plodding their leisurely way through the ancient town of Devizes evokes memories of what used to be. They still deliver to Wadworth houses situated within two miles of the Brewery, and are a familiar and much loved part of the local scene. They work as two pair drays, each dray carrying a load of approximately two tons, and deliver every weekday morning in the town - weather permitting.

Although they are essentially working horses, as distinct from show horses, they take part in many shows, carnivals, and country fairs during the summer months. At these shows they occasionally drive a team of four. The present stable of Shires was started in 1974, and the first two horses, Bob and Baron were moved into purpose-built stables at the end of the year.

Harness and drays were made to specification, including three drays which were used solely for shows. These include a 1903 model which has been beautifully restored to its pristine condition and a lighter, more modern dray which can be pulled by a single horse.

In 1996 the Brewery acquired a trailer large enough to carry four Shires. The show dray, show harness, and quarters for the horsemen, to transport them to the various shows and events.

Each horse weighs about 18 cwts. Their daily feeds consists of best hay, bran, molasses, brewer's grains and the occasional pint of 6X, Henry's IPA or JCB. A set of shoes lasts three weeks and a mobile blacksmith visits weekly to keep them well shod. The average height of the horses is eighteen hands. The Shires' immaculate turnout, grooming and show discipline have won many prizes in the South of England.

The dedication and expertise of the Head Horseman, Barry Petherick and his staff who care for these gentle giants is a major factor in their success. They have also featured many times on radio and television programmes.

As a reward for their hard work during the year, the horses are put out to grass for two weeks in the summer when they get the chance to rest their legs and get fit for another year of service.