NOVICE RIDDEN CLASS! National Shire Horse Show in ENGLAND (Episode 2) Apollo The Shire

[@debbierosiealice]

It really did bring tears to my eyes seeing these huge creatures moving so gracefully at speed. Wonderful slow motion. Thank you

[@apollotheshire]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. I hope you’ll subscribe! 🙂

[@teresa9760]

Awww look at that. Her tall boy went back to her when she fell off. So loyal. He us so concerned checking her out. Lol hes so big it took a moment to stop. But he cared and came back for het. Love him.

[@patcummings6950]

Found myself tearing up watching these beautiful horses. ❤️ First time watching.

[@bitcox4160]

They are all beautiful but I think Apollo is magnificent. Several ticks above any that you have shown so far.

[@teresa9760]

19.2 hands is so perfectly gorgeous and tall boy. Wow. My horse was only 18.3 and i felt on top of the world on his back. Me being 5'2" and 95 lbs lady, I needed a bench to get on him or brush his back. Love these beauties. Appolo is my love especially knowing his story. ❤

[@cbvickers4044]

I totally agree with your opinion....the red ribbon giant was truly a magnificent beast. He had a gentle dignity that was a joy to watch. 🥰🥰

[@yetanotherentity]

seems the judges agreed- they gave him first place! watching him run under the pro rider was watching sheer power in motion. absolutely stuning.

[@MrsBarni]

Majestic and honorable horses. The graceful pounding of the earth beneath their feet, the freedom felt while riding is the greatest feeling I've ever known ❤️

[@apollotheshire]

Thanks for watching! I hope you’ll subscribe! 😊

[@heatherreckzin2183]

Stunning! I bet the ground shook when they cantered past.

[@Katseye102]

Big graceful majestic gentle giants……..love how you slowed down the film when they were cantering, beautiful!

[@janettechapple1782]

I love the hock action on Shires when in trot, and the knee’s in canter. Just gorgeous and joyful. I kept my coloured cob (hairy) on a farm where Shires were bred, and they are such characters. Watching them being bathed before a show and the preparation of the feather to keep it flowing and white helped me enormously getting Star’s feather clean and white. (I’ve been to this show ground, look in the background of some of the shots…. You can see a Vulcan bomber.)

[@trueheartfarm8831]

In the states that class is known as the huntseat open (allowing anyone from beginner to pro- (trainers ) to show against each other...love this video thank you for sharing...

[@apollotheshire]

It was an incredible experience. The would SHAKE as 2,3,4 or 5 would canter by. 😍😍

[@Desanirain]

I can attest that coming off a horse especially one over 15 hands your brain automatically speeds up and all you can think is "welp this is going to smart!" My Grandfather who was a rancher always said it wasn't the fall that hurt, it is the sudden stop! lol Glad she was ok. Also I have to say your slow motion of the lope with these giants are the best display of the motion and the cadence that a horse will take, absolutely beautiful.

[@slaphappyKat]

I admit not knowing a lot about the different breeds, but I can honestly tell you this massive and mesmerizing horse has now taken the lead of my most favorite horse of all. So much beauty in such an incredibly HUGE horse. And the fact he was in an auction, just knocks me over. I must know more about. I'd ask your cost, but not. I'll be watching you!

[@justasreal5483]

OMG!!! I RECENTLY FOUND YOUR CHANNEL AND SUBBED IMMEDIATELY. WATCHING THIS MADE MY HEART POUND, BEING A VETERAN DRESSAGE RIDER. OLD AND RETIRED NOW BUT THE ADDICTION NEVER WANES. THAT BLACK AND WHITE HORSE WAS ASTOUNDING. SOOO GLAD YOU RESCUED APOLLO!!!!

[@monicaahrens8731]

The teams sure earned their ribbons! A thorough evaluation. Fantastic video.

[@margaretmetcalfe9380]

Absolutely magnificent, obviously loved by their owners which is just as it should be.

[@gayleklein7243]

The horse you liked with the unusual markings carries a splashed white gene - a large blaze, apron-faced or Medicine Hat white on the face with either all white legs or an irregular pattern of white on the body with white legs. This is a moderately unusual gene variation that I've only personally seen in pintos, skewbalds and the now-extinct Spanish Colonial horse, but it can manifest in Arabians, Icelandic horses and other breeds. He's a gorgeous animal. I've noticed Apollo has some white on his belly as well, so he may also carry this gene.

[@apollotheshire]

Awesome, thanks!!

[@Clara-ph7my]

19h my goodness. This is so graceful and elegant to watch. All the horses are beautiful.

[@arleneehrlinspiel5232]

The perfect way to start a day - watching amazing, beautiful horses. Thank you.

[@kellyhazen3994]

Years ago I was a groom for a lovely shire called Big Ben. I also was in charge of warming him up. Being a only five foot tall and weighing in at 95 Lbs. I can recall several times being launched off of Ben’s back. He was my giant Rockinghorse and sometimes I just flew. Not the fault of the horse or rider. If I close my eyes I can still feel Ben’s gate. There was nothing to compare that with, I have ridden and showed several breeds…Morgans, quarter horses you name it but Ben was amazing.

[@anjou6497]

the big red bay with a wide blaze is a beauty too. I love the way he walks, nicely balanced & positive attitude. 🧡🌿...oh he won ! He's gorgeous, dreamy.

[@apollotheshire]

I agree!

[@samporter2146]

Loved this , its really incredible to think of the sheer love that goes into keeping this breed present in the world.

[@livlovely2707]

Simply beautiful!

[@Castielj]

Thank you for posting these show videos ! Always wanted to attend the National Shire Show. Almost feel like I'm there ! Looking forward to your next videos !

[@apollotheshire]

I’ll keep posting!! So glad you like them. It was an awesome experience. You should definitely try and make it there sometime, In the meantime… I’ll keep posting 🙂🙂

[@wendyfowler1396]

Lovely report - I am an Arabian person myself, but a friend has 'heavy' horses and they are a delight to be around. Seeing such small classes reminds me that these big horses take tremendous commitment to present, and that there are several different types that come under the Shire umbrella.

[@Luna-ii4mx]

So many gorgeous horses, wow!

[@apollotheshire]

It was incredible! Thanks for watching! Greetings from me and Apollo 🙂

[@anjou6497]

Apollo is magnificent. You take such care of him. 👍🧡

[@apollotheshire]

I appreciate that!

[@SuperflySamurai88]

North America need a shire show!

[@apollotheshire]

IT WOULD BE SO AWESOME!!! there are draft shows, but not shire specific. I’d be all Over that!!

[@kelleyrancher]

I thought there was one in Utah every year I might be wrong I probably am

[@apollotheshire]

@@kelleyrancher there is an all draft breed team/hitch show every year in Utah. I go every year, I love it. But it’s not a shire show. One team from Idaho brings shires. They are incredible!!

[@marianstroup1]

All so beautiful!!

[@daniadejonghe4980]

So very beautiful... really, a mythic horse.

[@bethstearns7663]

These are beautiful magnificent animals! I love the shires great video!!

[@mariaumana4031]

Awesome!!! and more awesomenesssssss!!!!

[@jonnsmusich]

Oh joy! Thanks

[@chichitex1252]

Such beautiful horses!

[@deborahwestmoreland787]

Beautiful!

[@voxmomvoxmom3067]

In a snaffle too and no spurs!That’s horsemanship.

[@ninafodale]

Love the cinematography. 👍

[@apollotheshire]

Thank you so much. Like I say in the video; I really wanted to capture the feel and mood of the show.

[@ninafodale]

@@apollotheshire you definitely did. 👍

[@jenniferl.p.5530]

You two are sharing the same wavy hairstyle at the start of the video. LOL! Apollo is priceless! A year ago I moved from the USA to Portugal, and will be starting my horse search in Dec/Jan after I close on my home here, this October. An exciting journey and the Fresian is a fav on my list. Do you know, or know of, any good European breeders?

[@janettechapple1782]

The horses are stripped not to judge interaction with the rider but so the conformation judge can assess them without tack. The ride judge will be aware that this is a novice class so will be prepared for inexperienced horses who may be having a good look at the crowd, jump at a camera flash or may not be used to having a stranger on their back.

[@cosmicgoatlady6957]

If you have not experienced the earth shake when one of those HUGE horses canter by you have never lived. Funny in America that blue is first place and red is second.

[@luadraponies]

Those colours switched in Australia. Blue became first.

[@sarahcooper3378]

In this type of class there are usually 3 judges. Overall, confirmation and riding. It's a long and involved class.

[@leanneadams2549]

How could you pick a winner ? I couldn’t !! Just one time. I’d like to ride one of these huge beautiful regal horses. Once ! Thank for the vid !! ❤️🐴❤️

[@apollotheshire]

They were all winners in my eyes. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊

[@lindameggers1999]

I'm 53 and to late to have a horse and train to ride 😪 But, I can watch you!!

[@SM-vk7dk]

How did you get Apollo to England?

[@slaphappyKat]

Are the hairs on their hocks called feathering, or is that just on vanner horses?

[@supremlyfoxylass]

Truly magnificent,,

[@judytaylor1076]

In Australia it is not unusual for a judge to ride the horses in a hack class.

[@annafyfe8361]

Do Shire horses jump???

[@sarahcooper3378]

Yes they jump well. Are a very good all-rounder. There is a place here in the UK who specialize in riding experiences on "heavy' breeds. Check out Cumbria Heavy Horses.

[@acac8902]

I don’t know much about Shires as I have Canadians and Rocky Mountain gaited horses. I’m curious in this non Industrial Age why they cut their tails? (Here in Canada we have lots of flies). Also is there any purpose to the yarn decoration going down their mane and hanging? Thank you. Such beautiful animals!

[@yetanotherentity]

Shires are traditionally shown with ribbons, much like clydesdales and other draft breeds. besides tradition, it depends. there are some messages that can be conveyed via colored ribbons- ie: blue=stallion, green=young or inexperienced horse, red= kicker, and white *can* indicate a horse for sale.... or a horse with a disabled rider. Ribbons don't have to indicate these messages (many beautifully-behaved horses are decked in red just because it looks good), but it is a generally known method of signalling such things.

[@yetanotherentity]

Just a note for American viewers: Red ribbon is 1st place award, and Blue is 2nd place in the U.K.

[@apollotheshire]

It’s true! Opposite to the USA 🇺🇸 Thanks for watching! Greetings from me and Apollo 🙂

[@resQfurppl]

why are their tails cut so short??

[@apollotheshire]

This is the style in the UK. They don’t dock their tails but they trim them like that to keep them out of the way. Thanks for watching. Greetings from me and Apollo🙂

[@guy8646]

Anyone here know what it’s like to ride a shire compared to a Percheron? Which is a better riding horse?

[@sjanientjuh01]

did they cut the tails ? and if they did, why is that?

[@lisabradshaw3491]

When they take the saddle of and run the horse up, it's to check horse confirmation, not saddle fit or owner horse relationship. Also when the pro rider, not necessarily a professional but just a ride judge, this is to test the horses schooling and willingness. You need the horse to give the judge a good ride. In a novice class the judge doesn't ride x

[@voxmomvoxmom3067]

These horses tails aren’t docked.Docking horses and dogs tails is illegal in Britain unlike in some countries where owners cut off their dogs tails and part of their ears for reasons I can’t fathom.

[@pamclarke6785]

What the hell do they do to their (what was their lovely) tails. ??

[@seeing8spots]

Shaved or braided

[@veritasreigns]

For such huge, beautiful, magnificent horses, I feel it's absolutely terrible that they still dock the tails. They aren't pulling farm machinery any more, and horses need their tails to swish the flies away. More than that, the tails are so full that they would look awesome if left natural. I mean just look at Apollo's.

[@janettechapple1782]

They are not docked. The tailbone is intact. Tail docking is illegal. Some of the tail hair is trimmed away and the rest is gathered up in a ‘bun’ above the tail.

[@veritasreigns]

@@janettechapple1782 Oh that's really good to know! I remember reading Black Beauty and being so sad about the horses with docked tails.

[@Paige0557]

What ever you do please don’t cut shave or dock Apollo‘s tail like these horses

[@apollotheshire]

Haha, never ever.

[@gayleklein7243]

A bazillion percent agreed. Apollo's tail is glorious. I do have to wonder why these Shires have the tail dock if they're not pulling wagons and plows. Just tradition perhaps?

[@apollotheshire]

@@gayleklein7243 a lot of them do both ride and pull. But fun fact, they aren’t docked in England. Just shaved. Interesting huh. So they could grow them out just like Apollo.

[@gayleklein7243]

@@apollotheshire Very cool. Tail docking just doesn't make sense to me, but I suppose you could say that for Dobermans or other dog breeds with cropped ears. As you were in England; Why did Gordon Ramsay cross the road? The chicken reverted.

[@carolineharrold4460]

Their tails are braided and kept short, not docked as in the tail bone getting chopped as in other countries. We do not allow 'docking' over here thankfully due to the Docking and Nicking of Horses Act 1949. 🙂 Personally, I always prefer to see full tails, as nature intended.

[@horseytoo]

Would prefer no music at all, and to listen to actual audio from the event, but if you have to put music in, please don't have it so loud compared to your voice.

[@theCosmicQueen]

so these big strong horses can carry big heavy riders....

[@larrybrown6068]

Not as heavy as you would think. They are bred to drive, not to ride, so their backs are not as strong as some smaller breeds.

[@Lara-234]

@@larrybrown6068 shires are bred to ride and drive/plow fields. They're nicer to ride than clydesdales

[@janettechapple1782]

@@larrybrown6068 originally, they were war horses. They carried Knights in armour.

[@wally2786]

Did he spook? She certainly hit the dirt, but why? And I see it’s a theme, but the yellow britches are harsh.

[@sandramelvin7123]

The pro struggled because horses don't like strangers. They like known quantities and routine, this is how they form a trusting bond.

[@felicitytoad]

🙂

[@zamzar2]

Poor Shires looks so cut off without a long tail ......

[@muffassa6739]

Why do they still have to dock their tails??

[@larrybrown6068]

The tails are not docked, they just keep the hair short.

[@voxmomvoxmom3067]

They don’t ,it’s just the hair that’s cut short.

[@DoubleDogDare54]

Most of them look like Clydes - because that's what most of them are genetically - Clydes.

[@Jeffreyperez-rp6ow]

Too bad, I was hoping for an informative, insightful piece and instead got an MTV video.😴

[@edwinsemidey1992]

That is why I am not a big fan of Dressage too many Pro riders are very abusive

[@edwinsemidey1992]

@@Poniesandpaintofficial You assumed not I . i SAID pRO Riders

[@edwinsemidey1992]

@@Poniesandpaintofficial Like I said read the whole reply STOP and think