The Shire Horse is generally considered the largest of the modern heavy horses, with an average height of 17.2hh, with some reaching heights over 19hh. The breed has a fascinating history, with origins that can be traced back to the Great Horse, used in medieval times.
Once Knights began wearing heavy suits of armour, the light British horses were unable to carry them. Heavier breeds from around Europe were introduced, which lead to the development of the Great Horse, also called the War Horse.
As warfare changed and Knights no longer wore armour, the Great 
Horse was recognised for its great strength and placid nature, which would make it useful for farming and pulling heavy loads. Horses replaced oxen on farms, doing the jobs much faster (and were deemed to be much more intelligent, making them easier to work with). By the eighteenth century, these horses were of a height and stature similar to that of the modern day Shire Horse.
The Industrial Revolution saw Shire Horses being used to pull barges, large wagons and trams. Major improvements to roads and the introduction of coaches resulted in an increased demand for the Shire Horse.
Soon however, the need for the Shire declined. The railway was the first to make an impact, as less heavy goods were transported by barges. Then came the tractor, replacing horses on farms, and then the introduction of motorised road vehicles. The future of the Shire Horse seemed doomed.
Today, the Shire Horse has seen a resurgence in popularity both as a working animal and a riding horse.
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