The famous Shire Horses
Mojo (11 years old) and Challenger (7 years old) are the latest in a long line of Shire Horses which, apart from a brief interruption during the First World War when all horses were sold for war duties, have served Robinsons Brewery for over 100 years.
In their heyday, 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.
Today Mojo and Challenger are two of the few remaining working Shires in the British Brewing industry. A familiar and much-loved part of Stockport heritage, the sight of the Robinsons Shires evokes happy memories of a bygone time - as well as encouraging new fans of these gentle giants.
Mojo and Challenger are usually based at the stables at the brewery. They compete up and down the country at local and County shows - winning many prizes for their immaculate turnout, grooming and show discipline and also provide support to the Robinsons estate of pubs attending events, openings and relaunches across the region. They are also part of the Robinsons Brewery tour, make a guest appearances at the annual Robinsons Trade Show, promotional events, anniversaries and notable celebrations.
When not on the job, Mojo and Challenger like nothing more than stretching their legs and having time out in their own private fields.
Shire Horses have served Robinsons brewery for over 100 years
Meet the team...
MOJO
• Born in 2014
• 19.1hh
• Bay gelding
• Drives single and pair
• 2018 National Champion
• Mojo loves nothing more than meeting his fans
CHALLENGER
• Born in 2018
• 18.3hh
• Bay gelding
• Drives single and pair
• Challenger is the youngster of the team and is definitely a cheeky boy
HELEN
• Worked for the brewery since 2002
• Loves to lock herself away and clean harness
LEILAH
• Joined the stables team in May 2024
PHIL
• Joined the stables team in January 2024
Breeding programme
Robinsons started their breeding programme in 2018, as a response to the decline of the number of Shire horses and the breed being put on the “at risk” register. So far, we have bred 6 fantastic Shire foals. Our prefix is Hillgate, which is where the brewery was founded and based.
DOLLY
• Brood mare owned by the brewery since 2020
• Dolly has bred us 3 foals, 2 filles and 1 colt
• She is foal and due to give birth late February 2025
ROSIE
• Brood mare owned by the brewery since early in 2022
• She is in foal and due to give birth end of April 2025
DILLY (HILLGATE CORDELIA'S CHARM)
• The daughter of Dolly
• Has been shown for the past 2 seasons in-hand with great success
• Dilly is in foal and is due to give birth late of April 2025
FREDDIE (HILLGATE FREDERIC)
• The son of Dolly
• Yearling
• Half brother of Dilly
John Robinson, Retail Operations Manager at Robinsons Brewery: “On behalf of myself and the board, we are extremely pleased to be preserving and promoting the Shire Horse breed. Robinsons was built on the backbone of the Shire horse 185 years ago, which has continued to be an important part of our family business.”
Facts about our Shires
Mojo and Challenger have their breakfast at 6.30am and their supper at 8.30pm each day. Each Shire can eat for up to 18 hours a day.
The Shires see the dentist every 6 months to check on the health of their 42 teeth.
Mojo's favourite treat is polos... he can devour a whole packet in seconds.
The Shires average speed in walk is 4 miles per hour.
