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Photo; Tessan

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Here we are, Gareth and Astrid, who run Nolmyra Shires at “Kämpebo”, Nolmyra! The photo was taken in Scotland on one of our visits to Britain, scouting for Shire horses.We were particularly happy in this picture, taken at Laphroaig whisky distillery!

Our decision to investigate the Shire breed came about while we were looking for a draught horse with a calm disposition. We considered three breeds – North Swedish, Ardennes and Shire – but it was the Shire that attracted us most. As we knew little about them at the time, we contacted several people who we hoped could enlighten us, but their response was very cool so we decided to shelve the idea. However, we later saw an advert in a Swedish horse magazine advertising a Shire filly for sale. The funny thing was that the owner lives not too far away, in Sala! So we drove there to meet Magnus & Kattis who run the Pegasus Shire Stables. Our interest in the breed was re-awakened. We then faced a choice - buy a stallion or a mare. Astrid was undecided, but Gareth preferred a stallion, which eventually was our choice. Now the hunt was on! We contacted a few breeders and made trips to view several horses. In the end we found and fell for a little 4-week-old colt. Five months later, Excelsior arrived at Nolmyra. 

Shortly afterwards, we decided to buy an adult stallion and that took us to Britain where after four trips and umpteen telephone calls we finally found the horse that got us really excited! When Jim was led out of his box, we `fell hook, line and sinker´! One month later, after thorough tests and X-rays he finally planted his hooves on Swedish soil! Thors-Oak Royzone Jim was home! He may look impressive, mature, but he´s still really only a lad at heart.

Our latest Shire, purchased from England, is a mare called Brandwood Georgie Girl. She was in foal when we bought her, so Jim will have to wait until Spring 2004 before he makes his approach! More visits to England are being planned where we hope to find another mare for Jim!

 During our visits to England and Wales we have had the advantage of meeting and talking with lots of breeders and experts. We have learned lots about the Shire breed from these experienced people and that knowledge is something that we want to pass on - everything from tales to horse cures. We think this will be of value to all who are interested

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2005

We are very sorry to say that Thors-Oak Royzone Jim had to be put down due to chronic Sweet itch. 

We had long and difficult discussions before making our decision and after seeking professional advice it was decided that it was unfair to keep him alive when he was suffering with unbearable itching, and he had become a danger for both himself and for us. There is no cure for Sweet itch. All one can do is to relieve the symptoms and take preventative measures to ease the suffering, but even this was not sufficient to help Jim.

As regards breeding, one should not use a stallion that has this problem – we feel that would be unethical.

Brandwood Georgie Girl has been returned to England and Excelsior has been sold on to stables in Eskilstuna.

In Novemebr 2004 we imported Ringston Leah, who was then in foal. Nolmyra Jumping Jack a colt, was born in May 2005, sire Trem-y-Wyddfa Mascot, Supreme Champion at Peterborough Show, 2005. 

When Ringston Leah came to Nolmyra, we also brought over a colt foal named Thames Oak Harlequin. He is black with four white socks and a blaze. He was bred by the Bower family (Thames Oak ) in Tilbury and is already 17 hh (at 18 months), even including the first inch on the stick….. Looks like he will be BIG.

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