Mary Allen
Introduction: Can Shire Horses be used for Therapy or Emotional Support Animals?
Shire horses, also known as the gentle giants, are one of the largest horse breeds in the world. They were originally bred for agricultural work, but their calm and docile temperament soon made them popular for other purposes, including as carriage horses and in parades. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using Shire horses as therapy or emotional support animals. But can these majestic creatures really serve in such roles? In this article, we will explore the history of Shire horses as working animals, the concept of therapy animals and emotional support animals, the benefits of these animals, and whether Shire horses can serve in such roles.
The History of Shire Horses as Working Animals
Shire horses have a rich history as working animals. They were originally bred in England in the 17th century to work on farms, pulling plows and carts. During the Industrial Revolution, they were also used in the mining industry to haul coal. At one point, there were over a million Shire horses in England alone. However, with the advent of modern machinery, the demand for Shire horses declined, and their numbers dwindled. Today, there are only a few thousand Shire horses worldwide, and they are mainly used for leisure activities, such as carriage rides and competitions.