CANNON HALL FARM REMEMBERS BELOVED SHIRE HORSES RUBY AND IRIS AFTER DIFFICULT MONTHS

Cannon Hall Farm has opened up about one of the most difficult periods in its Shire horse programme, as the Yorkshire attraction remembers two much-loved animals lost in recent months.

For the team at Cannon Hall Farm, the Shire horses have long been among the most treasured animals on the farm.

But the past few months have brought heartbreak as the team faced the loss of Ruby, a much-loved Shire mare, and Iris, a beautiful young foal.

The farm recently invited equine vet Marco, the specialist who has been involved in caring for its Shire horses, to look back at what happened and discuss some of the difficult decisions involved in caring for the breed.

The special event, “Evening Live with Marco,” took place online on September 20 and was described by Cannon Hall Farm as a chance to reflect on an “incredibly difficult few months” for its Shire horses.

REMEMBERING RUBY AND IRIS

According to Cannon Hall Farm, Marco discussed the challenges the team faced, including the loss of Ruby and Iris.

The farm said the evening would explore the huge efforts made to save the horses, as well as the difficult decisions that sometimes have to be made when caring for animals.

The event was not only about the losses.

The farm also planned to talk about more hopeful developments, including Yorkshire Rose’s recent success in the show ring, the progress of the other Shire horses and the future of Cannon Hall Farm’s breeding programme.

That balance between grief and hope has become an important part of the farm’s recent story.

A DIFFICULT PERIOD FOR THE SHIRE TEAM

Cannon Hall Farm is a registered Shire Horse Society centre and has developed a breeding programme around the increasingly rare breed.

The farm describes the Shire as one of its most important animal attractions and offers visitors opportunities to see the horses and learn about their personalities and characteristics.

Earlier in 2026, the farm also broadcast a special online programme celebrating its Shire foals.

That broadcast featured five young Shires, with the farm explaining that Iris and another foal, Solider, had experienced serious complications and required specialist hospital care before returning home.

The subsequent loss of Iris made the situation especially painful for the people who had followed her progress.

MARCO WAS THERE THROUGH THE HARDEST MOMENTS

Marco, the farm’s specialist Shire vet, has been closely involved in the care of the horses.

Cannon Hall Farm said his September 20 appearance would give viewers an opportunity to hear directly about the veterinary challenges involved and the decisions faced by the team.

The farm described the evening as both emotional and hopeful, highlighting not only Ruby and Iris but also the continuing work to protect and breed Shire horses for the future.

The event was also part of a broader relationship between Cannon Hall Farm and The Yorkshire Vet.

The farm’s September 20 podcast event featured Shona from The Yorkshire Vet in the morning session and Marco in the afternoon, allowing viewers to see behind the scenes of the podcast and hear from veterinary professionals who work with the farm’s animals.

THE STORY CONTINUES

Despite the losses, Cannon Hall Farm’s Shire programme continues.

The farm still offers visitors opportunities to meet its Shire horses, and its current schedule includes both Shire experiences and Shire foal experiences.

For a farm that has shared so much of its animal life with the public, the loss of Ruby and Iris has been more than a private moment of grief.

Their stories have been followed by people who have watched the farm’s videos, listened to its podcasts and become familiar with the animals over time.

Now, the focus is gradually turning toward the future.

The farm says it will continue its breeding programme while caring for the Shires that remain, celebrating their successes and dealing with the inevitable challenges that come with looking after such a large and increasingly rare breed.

For those who followed Ruby and Iris, however, their absence will remain part of the story of Cannon Hall Farm — a reminder of both the emotional highs and heartbreaking lows that come with life on a working farm.