“TWO BELOVED HORSES, TWO HEARTBREAKING GOODBYES” — CANNON HALL FARM REMEMBERS RUBY AND FOAL IRIS

The Yorkshire farm has opened up about a difficult period for its Shire horses, remembering a much-loved mare and a young foal whose stories touched the hearts of staff and animal lovers alike.

For the team at Cannon Hall Farm, animals are far more than the faces visitors recognize from farm tours and online videos. They become part of everyday life — cared for, watched over and loved by the people who know their personalities best.

That is why the loss of Ruby, a much-loved Shire mare, and Iris, a young foal, has been so painful for the farm community.

In September 2026, Cannon Hall Farm announced a special online event with its equine vet, Marco, to reflect on what it described as an incredibly difficult few months for its Shire horses. The event offered an opportunity to look back at the animals’ medical challenges, the efforts made to save them and the difficult decisions involved in their care.

Iris’s journey brought hope

Iris was one of five Shire foals welcomed as part of the farm’s breeding programme in 2026.

Earlier in the year, the farm revealed that Iris and another foal, Soldier, had experienced serious complications and required specialist hospital treatment. Both eventually returned to the farm, bringing relief to the team and to followers who had been keeping up with their progress.

But Iris’s story later took a heartbreaking turn.

For those who had watched her journey, her loss was especially difficult after the hope that came with her return home.

Remembering Ruby, the much-loved Shire mare

Ruby was another treasured member of Cannon Hall Farm’s Shire horse family.

In July, farmer Robert Nicholson shared the sad news that Ruby’s condition had deteriorated so severely that the team, in consultation with their vet, decided euthanasia was the kindest option.

It was an emotional decision for those who had cared for her, but one made with her welfare in mind.

Ruby’s story reflects the difficult reality of caring for large animals: even with veterinary support, dedication and love, there are moments when the kindest decision is also the hardest one to make.

The people behind the care

Cannon Hall Farm’s equine team has continued to care for its remaining Shire horses while supporting the future of this increasingly rare breed.

The farm’s special September event with Marco was intended to share more about the challenges behind the scenes, including the efforts made to help Ruby and Iris and the veterinary decisions that followed.

For farm staff, these experiences are deeply personal. They see the animals every day, follow their progress and build bonds that go far beyond their work responsibilities.

And for the many people who follow Cannon Hall Farm online, the horses have become familiar too — making the news of their loss all the more moving.

Their stories will not be forgotten

Although Ruby and Iris are no longer at the farm, their lives remain part of Cannon Hall Farm’s story.

The team continues its work with Shire horses, celebrating new arrivals and achievements while facing the difficult moments that come with caring for animals.

Their stories remind us that behind every farm update is a team of people doing their best for animals who depend on them.

Sometimes, love means celebrating a life. Sometimes, it means letting go. And sometimes, it means carrying the memory of an animal long after saying goodbye.

Rest peacefully, Ruby and Iris. Your stories touched the hearts of the people who cared for you and the many people who followed your journeys.