A treasured tradition at Wadworth, our gentle giants are as much a part of the Wadworth heritage as our real ale recipes!
Meet our Shire Horses
George is the latest in a long line of Shire horses which, apart from a brief interruption, have served Wadworth for over 125 years.
George
In October 2022 we were delighted to have found a partner for Sam and he joined the Wadworth family.
George was foaled in Wales in 2016.
He is 18.2 hands and has a black/brown coat, four white socks and a white blaze.
Sam
Our dark bay Shire gelding with four white socks and a white blaze, Sam, retired from Wadworth March 2024.
Standing at a height of 18.2 hands, Sam was foaled in Lancashire in 2011.
After 7 years of dedicated service, Sam returned to Gentle Giants in Wales to enjoy his retirement in the Welsh countryside.
On the search for a new Shire
Our horsemen, Martin and Callum, have started the search for a new partner for George.
We will keep you updated with any news.
About our Shires
Wadworth is one of the last remaining breweries in the country that still use Shire horses.
They are a familiar and much loved part of the local community and great ambassadors for the company. Our Horsemen, father and son duo, Martin and Callum Whittle look after the Shires and are incredibly proud of our gentle giants.
The Shires deliver our beers to Wadworth pubs within a two mile radius of the brewery.
As well as the primary role of being working horses, our Shires make promotional visits to our pubs and take part in county shows and other public events throughout the summer months. They’ve won many prizes for their immaculate turnout, grooming and show discipline.
Did you know? Each Shire horse weighs about a ton
Harness and drays are made to specification - the handmade collars are specific to each horse, and their harness is fully adjustable. We have five drays - two for everyday work and three that are used solely for shows and public relations events, one of which is a 1903modelthat has been beautifully restored, and a modern dray which can be used with a single horse.
Did you know? A Shire can pull double their own body weight
When travelling outside of the Devizes area, and throughout our estate, the Shires are transported in a large articulated trailer, which can take a dray, the horses and all their harness, plus has living and sleeping accommodation for the horsemen when overnight stays are required.
Although they are essentially working horses, they also make promotional visits to many of our pubs and take part in county shows and other public events throughout the summer months, winning many prizes for their immaculate turnout, grooming and show discipline.
Did you know? A set of shoes lasts about four weeks and a mobile farrier visits regularly to hot show them with a mobile forge
The dedication of Horseman Martin Whittle and Horseman Callum Whittle, who care for these gentle giants, is a major factor in their success.
For further information and to see photos of the boys in action, please follow them on Facebook.
Come and see us!
The Shires deliver beers to Wadworth pubs within a two mile radius of the brewery.
Please do check on the Shire Horse Facebook page for up to date news on which events and shows they are attending.
