Horse Trader

Redwings Horse Sanctuary has taken in three shire horses. The charity, which is the largest in the country, took in the animals after their previous home closed down due to lack of funding. The horses – Fusilier, Duchess and Major – each stand at an impressive height. Twelve-year-old Fusilier is the largest of the trio, standing at 18.2hh.

Major, a three-year-old Shire x Percheron, and his Shire mother Duchess, 19, are also a similar size. The animals are now in the charity’s care at its headquarters in Norfolk. Although Redwings are currently struggling for room, the charity decided to make an exception for the animals due to the needs of Shires being greater than normal horses.

The charity also took in Duchess due to her being an elderly mare that may require extra attention to keep her healthy. Emma Lacey, Redwings Sanctuary Farms Manager, said that the separating the trio was not an option, as they had always been together. “The group have always been together, so to separate them at that point in their lives was not an option,” she said. “However, to find a private home willing to accept three such demanding horses was virtually impossible in this current climate.” “We are currently at capacity at the sanctuary, with only exceptional cases being considered. “These three horses are just that – exceptional.”

Shire horses are listed as a rare breed, but their numbers are becoming stable thanks to their placid nature attracting people.

Emma hopes that the animals will be able to be moved at a later date and said that the charity plans to give visitors a chance to meet them. “After settling in at our Norfolk HQ, it is hoped they will be able to move to one of our four visitor centres, where our supporters will be able to meet and greet these magnificent horses for themselves,” she said.