The Shire Horse

(a continuing article by Arlin Wareing)

From ASHA Summer 1995 Newsletter

III. The American Shire Registry

     It is important to remember that the creation and promotion of the English Shire Registry was, at least in part, due to the Americans wanting registered stock. It surely stands to reason they would also want to continue this practice after getting those horses on American soil. We have also learned of the desire to improve the quality of the breed. One method to do this, of course, would be the keeping of records, which is still in practice today.

     Seeing the need for the Americans to promote quality, and the continued desire to expand the bree, the British contributed funds to help organize the registry in the US. Thus, on April 28, 1885, the American Shire Horse Association was organized. It was incorporated on May 21, 1885. As today, there were nine board members; however, in addition, a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer were also elected.

     Article II, "Object of the Constitution," reads: "The object of this Association shall be the revision, preservation and publication of the history and pedigree of purebred Shire stallions and mares, and such regulations aas may be prescribed by the Association."

     It was surely in the best interest of the English Society to insure a quality animal in the US in order to continue their exports and fill an ever increasing demand. The close ties and good relations between the Shire Horse Society and the American Shire Horse Association have always been evident; much more so than the other draft breed associations. However, in the late 1900's, with limited knowledge and spirit of independence, some of the American breeders seemed to rezent those ties. A continued effort for unity has always been a topic of concern by the associations' leadership.

     The name "Shire" also comes form England, and derives its name from the Saxon word "schyran," which means to shear or divide, hence the name "Shire," that is synonymous with county. The name "Shire" was first applied to the horse by King Henry VIII early in the 16th century.

     Volume I of the American Shire Horse Association studbook contains 935 stallions and 246 mares. Thirteen stallions appear which never came to these shores. They were prominent horses with outstanding merit; a large number of the entries in Volume I trace back to one of these. Honest Tom (1105) (pictured in Chapter II, Part 1) is the first on the list. The records show only 93 members of the Association with 38 breeders and an additional 112 owners in 1885. With the majority of Shires in the Midwest, Illinois had by far the largest number. William Fields and Bros. from Cedar Falls, Iowa played a prominent role. As imports of Cleveland Bay and Clydesdales as well as Shires, they maintained a strong business, but focused mainly on Shires. They brought them to the attention of many would-be buyers.

     As mentioned in previous chapters, the Shire was poised to be the leading draft horse of choice in America. Many importers and business's were ready to jump on the band wagon. But it never ahppened.

     Burgess Bros., from Wenona, Illinois, was the first importer to call for organization and a studbook in January of 1884. While it didn't take place for nearly 1 and 1/2 years, Charles Burgess was rewarded by being elected the first secretary and served in that position for 30 years.

     Samuel Bell of Wooster, Ohio, A.B. and Fred Holbert of Greely, Iowa, and Homer Singmaster of Keota, Iowa and a prominent Percheron director served on the board of directors at one time. All were taken from other draft breeds. Alexander Galbraith of Jamesville, Wisconsin, noted directors. Also serving was William Crownover of Hudson, Iowa. This was the man responsible for importing "Farceur," the famous Belgian stallion. We will take another look at Mr. Crownover in a future chapter. Of course, John G. Truman of Bushnell, Illinois also served.

     J.G. Truman was the son of John H. Truman, who played such a major role in England, as noted in a previous chapter. H.H. Truman, a veterinarian and brother of J.G., remained in England. This combination, with H.H. Buying in England and J.G. selling in the states, dominated the Shire scene for well over 30 years, not only in number of Shires sold, but in the leadership role in the association as well. J.G. served on the board of directors for two years during the 1890's and served as President from 1902 until 1923, and as Secretary form 1930 to 1939. The Trumans imported 1032 horses form 1900 to 1918, saying nothing about the hundreds imported by their father, J.H., earlier.

     Books could be written about the Trumans and other early leaders, but space does not permit it here. However, it is important to understand that it was the importers that had the controlling influence on the breed, as well as the American Shire Horse Association until about 1918. Many importers, not mentioned above, didn't know nor care about the quality of stock they brought to these shores. Their only concern was the making of money. From 1885 to 1918, which covers the first eleven volumes of the American studbook, approximately 25% of all the horses listed were imported.

     After World War I, imports dropped dramatically as did all areas of draft horse production, to the point where the fingers on one hand could count those imported in the 1930's and it stopped completely in 1939. But the early 1900's were exciting times for the draft horse. Unity in need and desire made close ties between all the breeds. All horsemen involved, recognized and desired certain qualities in their horses, regardless of the breed. This coupled with economic conditions changed the face of the US.

     The information found in this chapter comes in part from the ASHA studbooks, and a special writing by Maurice Telleen, editor of the Draft Horse Journal, on behalf of the ASHA Centennial in 1985. Much of his information came from the "breeders Gazette." The next issue will go into detail of the activities in the last half of the 20th century here in the US.

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