Robinsons Brewery have announced that, after an unbeaten season in all classes, brewery Shire horse Royale will retire.
After a fantastic 2013, which saw Royale take the top place at shows all over the country including the Cheshire Show, Equi-fest, Garstang, Cartmel and Anglesey, a reoccurring foot problem has forced the gentle giant to retire from active competition.
Head Horseperson Helen Preece left with Royale at Equi-fest 2012 said:
“Royale has always been such a favourite at the brewery. Despite his retirement from active competitions, he will still be a big part of our Shire horse team and will, of course, still make regular appearances at the brewery stables.”
Royale, throughout his 3 year tenure as an active horse, was well known as a trickster; often ‘photobombing’ pictures of Trooper and getting the last laugh at bath time by grabbing the water hose and aiming it directly at the brewery stable team.
“It wasn’t uncommon for us to end up soaked and him remain relatively dry” joked Helen. “He is a rascal but that’s what we love about him. He is such a gentle giant and it’s a huge shame that he won’t be able to compete anymore but he’s got a long and happy retirement to look forward to.”
Royale has since moved to Helen’s home stables in Gee Cross where he is enjoying his own yard (and all of the attention!)
The Robinsons family and Shire team now welcome Royale’s successor: left Wizard settling in at the Stables
Sired by the great Moorfield Edward, the towering 17.3 hands, dark, bay Shire is 8 years old (Date of Birth: 19th April 2006) boasting 4 perfect white socks and a beautiful white blaze; a true stamp of the traditional British Shire.
Commenting on the new arrival Helen said:
“Wizard has certainly inherited Royale’s lively streak as he keeps trying to eat Trooper’s hay net instead of his own. He was only broken to harness 6 weeks ago so we’re thrilled with the progress he has made already.”
Wizard and Trooper continue the long heritage of Shires who have been based at the Stockport family brewery for more than 100 years.
Robinsons and the Shire team invite you to come and say hi to the newest member of their family (and bring some carrots!)
Keep up to date with Wizards progress and the Robinsons Shire horses on Facebook: is www.facebook.com/Robinsonsshires and make sure you visit the stables during a Robinsons Brewery Tour – www.robinsonsvisitorscentre.co.uk