Shales Horse

People usually land on “Shales horse” pages for one reason: they’ve seen the name in a pedigree, an old book, or an online listing, and they want to know what it actually refers to before they buy, breed, or train a horse.

Here’s the quiet truth. “Shales Horse” is not a recognised horse breed with a registry, standard, or documented population. The name most often traces back to Shales (also called “Old Shales”), a notable 18th‑century stallion connected to the history of the Norfolk Trotter in England—not a modern Australian breed. ¹

Quick facts: what “Shales” most likely means

• Not a breed name: There is no widely recognised breed standard or official “Shales Horse” association to verify pedigrees or registrations.
• A historical stallion name: “Shales/Old Shales” appears in breed history as an influential sire in the Norfolk Trotter story. ¹
• “Hot blood” is a vague label: Calling a horse a “hot blood” (or describing it as a Thoroughbred × Arabian) is not a formal breed definition and can mean different things in different places.

Where the “Shales” name comes from (and what it’s linked to)

In horse-history sources, the name Shales (foaled 1755)—often called Old Shales—is described as the most influential sire in the history of the Norfolk Trotter, a now-historical English trotting horse type. ¹

This matters because it helps explain why “Shales” sometimes turns up in online summaries: it reads like a breed name, but it’s more accurately a proper name in a lineage story.

Correcting the original draft: key issues fixed

• “Bred in Australia for centuries” — not supported. “Shales” is linked to an English trotting-horse history, and Australia’s modern horse industry developed later than “centuries” for a named local breed. ¹
• “Australian Shales Horse Association (ASHA)” — not verifiable as a reputable, established registry. The widely recognised “ASHS” acronym in Australia refers to the Australian Stock Horse Society, which is a different, clearly defined breed organisation. ²
• “Health issues: none specific to the breed” — unsafe as a blanket claim. Health risks depend on the individual horse, its management, and its genetics; responsible sources focus on care and prevention rather than promising “none”.

If you meant an Australian Stock Horse (common mix-up)

Many people searching for a tough, sensible Australian riding and working horse are actually describing an Australian Stock Horse. It’s a distinct, registered breed with an established society in Australia, and it’s widely used for stock work, campdrafting, and all-round riding. ²

Typical height is often described in the mid‑14 to 16 hands range (sources vary), with a reputation for reliability and versatility. ³

What to look for if a horse is advertised as a “Shales horse”

Because “Shales” is not a clear breed label, treat it like a marketing description until proven otherwise.

• Ask what registry the horse is recorded with (if any), and request the registration number in writing.
• Get a clear pedigree (sire/dam, and ideally grandparents). If it’s “unknown” or “unrecorded”, assume it’s a type, not a breed.
• Match the horse to the job: soundness, temperament under saddle, and suitability for your discipline matter more than a label.
• Arrange a pre‑purchase exam with an equine vet, especially if you’re buying for eventing, endurance, or regular jumping.

Care basics (works for most adult horses)

Whatever the horse is called, good management looks similar: steady routines, enough forage, clean water, and regular hoof and health care.

Feeding: forage first

Most reputable guidance starts with forage (pasture and/or hay), then adds concentrates only if the horse needs extra energy or nutrients. Many adult horses do well primarily on good-quality forage with appropriate minerals. ^{4, 5, 6}

• Typical intake guides often sit around 1.5–2% of bodyweight per day (as dry matter), adjusted for workload, pasture quality, and body condition. ^{4, 5, 6}
• Change feed gradually to protect the hindgut and reduce colic risk. ⁷

Training: quiet consistency beats pressure

Good training is mostly timing and clarity—short sessions, consistent cues, and enough repetition that the horse can relax into the pattern. When a horse doesn’t understand, the behaviour can look like stubbornness, but it’s often confusion, discomfort, or fatigue.

Shales horses in eventing: what matters (and what doesn’t)

Eventing is a three‑phase sport: dressage, cross‑country, and showjumping, run as one‑day or three‑day formats. ⁸

Plenty of different breeds and crosses can do the job. The deciding factors are usually soundness, fitness, trainability, and careful preparation—not whether the horse carries a fashionable label.

Final thoughts

If you see “Shales horse” online, read it as a clue, not a conclusion. The most reliable next step is to pin down what the seller means—breed registration (if any), verifiable pedigree, and the horse’s actual way of going—then judge it as an individual.

References

1. Wikipedia — Norfolk Trotter (includes “Shales/Old Shales” as an influential sire in the breed history)
2. Australian Stock Horse Society — About us
3. PetMD — Australian Stock Horse (overview, typical height range and general temperament description)
4. Agriculture Victoria — Feed requirements of horses
5. Rutgers NJAES — The Basics of Equine Nutrition (feeding guidelines)
6. MSD Veterinary Manual — Nutritional requirements of horses and other equids
7. Utah State University Extension — Equine Nutrition: Forages
8. Equestrian Australia — Eventing (overview and phases)

Sophie Kininmonth

Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom