Meet Richmond Park’s Shire horses
There are just 2,000 Shire horses left in the world – and ten of them live in Richmond Park. You’ll see them out and about, carrying out conservation work and giving carriage rides. In this blog, we’ll help you put the names to the faces!
The gentle giants of Richmond Park
The Royal Parks Shire Horses are managed by Operation Centaur, a leading equine organisation, that specialises in heavy horses and equine therapy in the heart of London. Stabled at Richmond Park and Home Park a team of nine English Shires carry out land management throughout London's green spaces, including carriage rides for the public.
Shire horses weigh over a tonne and are rarer than the giant panda. They are Britain’s largest native breed of horse, first appearing in Britain in the 18th Century.
How do they help?
In the spring two Shires will be mowing the grass road-side verges which helps ensure drivers can see any deer that may want to cross the road, whilst also encouraging low growing wildflowers. Come the summer months two sets of Shires start rolling the emerging bracken, reducing its vigour and growth. This helps protect the park’s rare acid grassland habitats, allowing grasses and wildflowers to grow alongside the bracken.
During the cold winter months the shires continue to help the park’s acid grasslands, harrowing areas of bracken to break up the dense thatch (dead stems and leaves) so that other plants can grow. The Shires undertake these tasks with a very light touch, avoiding the need to use heavy vehicles which can otherwise damage habitats, and are also very sensitive and alert to wildlife.
In addition to their typical seasonal work the Shires help with logging, haymaking and volunteer tasks. The Shires also help maintain the wildflower meadows in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, working alongside volunteer teams.
In reward for their hard work, which helps them keep in good mental and physical condition, the horses get two breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner and one bale of hay per day. Plus apples and carrots! But please don’t feed them if you meet. It can seriously endanger their wellbeing.
Tom and Monty
Tom is our oldest horse. At eighteen years of age, he is the grandad of the group - also the tallest horse at the yard standing a whopping 19 hands tall. Tom is partnered with Monty, our second biggest horse, who is the epitome of an English Shire horse. Nicknamed ‘the gentle giants,’ Shire horses have the most gorgeous personality with the kindest soul imaginable, which Monty embodies magnificently. The two of them have built such a loving bond, and have become inseparable over the years. Both are a dark bay colour with four white socks, Monty has a large white blaze down his face but Tom only has a thin white stripe.
Joey
Joey is our second oldest horse. Over the years Joey has become the ‘go to horse’, being able to turn his hand (or hoof) to anything. With a calm unfazed demeanour, Joey is unfussed in any situation, taking it all in his stride. Now in his senior years Joey has become our go to horse for petting, meets and greets, as well as educational talks. Although our smallest horse, it is undeniable that Joey has the biggest heart.
William and Henry
William and Henry are the park’s key agriculture horses, at twelve years of age they are both in the prime of their lives. Having been bought from a sanctuary that unfortunately closed down, the two of them did not have the best start in life, but when they are in harness working in the park you can see their true character come through. They both relish the opportunity to express themselves by showing how strong they are. William is the most powerful horse in the herd and has become the leader of the group. Henry, on the other hand, has had to overcome many challenges in life, but takes it all in his stride, becoming a key member of the team and loved by all.
Arthur and Lois
Arthur and Louis are one of two sets of brothers in the team, and at eight and four respectively they are still learning their trade. They have very cheeky personalities, love play time in the field, adore endless attention and constant grooming. Arthur loves his work in the park and is always very keen to get going, standing 18.5 hands tall he is a giant of a horse with immense strength. Arthur is an incredibly inquisitive horse, who loves trying new challenges, and getting involved. Louis takes after his big brother in many ways, always pushing his way into the herd, with the drive to learn new skills. Louis has only just started his working career, but has taken to it all like a duck to water, a true testament to his character. They are both a gorgeous chocolate brown, with long white socks and strong white markings on their face, both of whom would not look out of place with the iconic Budweiser Horses.
George and Charlie
Lastly we have our very own George and Charlie. They are our second set of brothers, but unlike Arthur and Louis, George and Charlie are complete opposites. George is the first Shire horse born in London for over a hundred years (born 2020) and is known as the lock-down baby. At six years old he still sees himself as the baby of the group, he loves nothing more than to be completely pampered by his care-givers. George is an incredibly friendly horse that adores hot baths, constant grooming, with endless apples and carrots. Not only a very friendly horse, he is a highly adept worker who can take on all challenges. Charlie is our youngest horse in the herd, born summer of 2023, and is already taller than his big brother. Shire horses don't stop growing until they are seven years of age. Charlie is expected to reach a great height when fully matured, coupled with his strong personality, he will make an excellent working horse. He began his training during winter 2025 and has shown immense promise - his positive attitude and prowess are all highly encouraging signs. George and Charlie, our home bred horses, have a special place in the Shire community as they are both grey, a very rare colour for the breed. Grey horses begin their life almost black and over time they lighten, ending up a brilliant white when reaching full maturity.
Training the shires of Richmond Park
As with all working horses, the Shires need a purpose – they enjoy a challenge, and being put to work, so they don't do so well as a pet.
First, the horses build a relationship with us and each other, and learn to trust. Then they get used to the equipment. Only then do we teach them how to pull. It’s amazing how fast they cotton on and are ready to join an experienced horse with some equipment.
We usually start the horses off with a harrow, as this is light and doesn't require a vehicle behind them. Once they know what they’re doing and settle into that work, we move to grass cutting and carriage driving before the bracken rolling in the summer.
Along with the free-roaming herds of deer, the Shires are probably some of the best known and loved sights in Richmond Park.
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