Robinsons’ shire breeding programme welcomes sixth foal

Robinsons Brewery have announced the birth of their sixth foal since the family-run brewer launched its Shire Breeding Programme.

Hillgate Frederic was born at 12:50am on the Thursday 30^th March and is foal to Dolly, a 14-year-old registered Shire mare (pictured above with foal). Sire is the bay stallion Daresbrook Sir Alfred owned by J Worthington of Alderley Edge.

Shires have served Robinsons Brewery for over 100 years. Before the arrival of the internal combustion engine, Robinsons’ Shires were in the main brewery yard working every day to deliver traditionally brewed ales to local inns and hostelries. However, their primary use was inter-brewery work: moving bottles and cases between Unicorn and Hempshaw Brook Breweries in the 1950’s. The Shires also moved cinders from the main yard, spent hops and wastepaper.

Helen Preece, Head Horseperson at Robinsons, commented:

“On behalf of myself and the company, we are extremely pleased to be preserving and promoting the Shire Horse breed and are so happy with our newest foal. Both mother (Dolly) and foal are doing fine.

“Robinsons was built on the backbone of the Shire horse 184 years ago, which has continued to be an important part of our family business. When we started the programme, we confirmed to have our own registered prefix, ‘Hillgate’, with the Shire Horse Society, which all future foals will inherit. Hillgate Frederic is a wonderful new edition to our family.”

Robinsons Brewery launched its Shire Breeding Programme in 2018, welcoming its first foal the following year.

To stay updated with the latest news on the foal, follow Robinsons Shire Horses on Facebook with more information on the Shire Breeding Programme on the brewery’s website.