Our Heritage

There’s something quietly powerful about the heavy horse — a presence rooted deep in our history. Once bred to carry armoured kings into battle, Shire horses later shaped the fields and farms that built our agricultural landscape.

A century ago, millions of these giants worked across the countryside. Today, fewer than 3,000 remain worldwide, with only an estimated 227 left in the UK.

Their strength may have once moved nations, but now, it’s their rarity that moves us.

Nestled in the hillsides of St Austell, Cornwall, there lives a small herd of these gentle giants, called Pikna Shires ('Pikna' translating to beautiful).

Cornish born Alfie Trethewey and Bryony Gill have relentlessly dedicated their time and money into preserving this breed. They've bred a few foals, compete in ploughing matches and even take the shires out to offer carriage and pony rides often to help raise money for charity.

I cannot express my gratitude enough to this pair, for accommodating me, letting me camp in the lorry to get some of these light paintings, and letting me hang out and ride these magnificent horses.