“TWO GENTLE SOULS, ONE LASTING MEMORY” — CANNON HALL FARM MOURNS THE HEARTBREAKING LOSS OF RUBY AND FOAL IRIS

The much-loved Shire mare and her young companion have left a lasting impression on the farm team and the many people who followed their stories.

For the team at Cannon Hall Farm, some animals become far more than familiar faces. They become part of the farm’s story, capturing the hearts of staff, visitors and thousands of people who follow their lives online.

That bond makes saying goodbye all the more difficult.

The Yorkshire farm has been reflecting on a particularly painful period for its Shire horses following the losses of Ruby, a much-loved Shire mare, and Iris, a young foal whose journey had been followed by supporters.

Their stories have brought attention to both the emotional rewards and the heartbreaking challenges of caring for these magnificent animals.

IRIS’S JOURNEY TOOK AN UNEXPECTED TURN

Iris was among five Shire foals celebrated by Cannon Hall Farm in 2026. But the early months brought serious challenges for the youngsters.

In a June announcement, the farm revealed that Iris and another foal, Soldier, had experienced serious complications and required specialist hospital care. Thankfully, both were able to return home at that time, giving the team and followers reason to feel hopeful.

The update was part of a special online broadcast featuring farmers Rob and Dave, who shared the foals’ progress and offered viewers a closer look at life behind the scenes.

Iris’s later loss made the journey especially painful for those who had watched her progress and hoped to see her grow.

REMEMBERING RUBY, A MUCH-LOVED SHIRE MARE

Ruby was also a treasured member of the farm’s Shire horse family.

Shire horses are known for their impressive size, strength and generally gentle nature. At Cannon Hall Farm, they have become an important part of the attraction and its work to support the future of this increasingly rare breed.

The farm’s equine team has faced difficult veterinary challenges in recent months, including decisions about treatment and the care of seriously unwell horses.

In September 2026, Cannon Hall Farm hosted a special online evening with equine vet Marco to look back on the difficult period. The event addressed the losses of Ruby and Iris, the efforts made to save them and the decisions involved in caring for the animals.

The farm also looked toward more hopeful developments, including the progress of its remaining Shires and Yorkshire Rose’s success in the show ring.

A DIFFICULT REMINDER OF LIFE ON A FARM

Behind the charming videos and heartwarming updates shared with the public is the demanding reality of animal care.

Veterinary teams and farm staff must make difficult decisions when an animal becomes seriously ill. Even with specialist treatment and devoted care, not every story has the outcome everyone hopes for.

For those who care for the animals every day, the connection is personal. They see each animal’s individual character, follow its progress and invest time and emotion in giving it the best possible care.

That is why the loss of a much-loved mare or a young foal can be so deeply felt.

THEIR LEGACY LIVES ON

Although Ruby and Iris are no longer part of the farm’s daily life, their stories remain connected to the people who cared for them and those who followed their journeys.

Cannon Hall Farm continues its work with Shire horses, including its breeding programme and the care of the animals still in its stable.

The farm’s September event offered an opportunity to remember the horses honestly while recognising the work that continues behind the scenes to protect the breed.

For the people who loved Ruby and Iris, the memories are a reminder of how deeply animals can touch our lives—even when their time with us feels far too short.

Sometimes, the most lasting tribute is simply to remember them with affection.

READ MORE ABOUT RUBY AND IRIS IN THE COMMENTS.