“SOME GOODBYES HURT MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY” — CANNON HALL FARM MOURNS BELOVED SHIRE HORSE RUBY AND FOAL IRIS

The Yorkshire farm has reflected on an especially difficult period for its Shire horses, remembering two much-loved animals and the extraordinary efforts made by the team to save them.

Behind the familiar farm videos and heartwarming moments shared with visitors is a side of animal care that can be incredibly painful.

Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley, Yorkshire, has been remembering Ruby, its much-loved Shire mare, and Iris, a young foal whose journey had captured the attention of animal lovers.

Their loss has left a lasting impression on the people who cared for them and the many followers who had watched their stories unfold.

A difficult few months for the farm

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 looked back at the challenges surrounding Ruby and Iris, the efforts made to save them, and the difficult decisions that can arise when caring for seriously unwell animals.

For the farm team, these horses were not simply part of a breeding programme. They were individuals whose daily care, personalities and progress had become part of life at Cannon Hall Farm.

Iris’s journey brought hope — and heartbreak

Iris was among five Shire foals celebrated by the farm in 2026. Earlier in the year, Cannon Hall Farm revealed that Iris and another foal, Soldier, had experienced serious complications and needed specialist hospital treatment.

Both eventually returned home, bringing relief and renewed hope to the team and supporters who had followed their progress.

The later loss of Iris made that journey especially difficult for everyone who had hoped to see her grow.

Remembering Ruby

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

The farm has long worked to support the future of this increasingly rare breed through its breeding programme and public education. The care of these magnificent horses requires experience, close veterinary attention and, at times, painful decisions.

The loss of Ruby and Iris has highlighted the emotional reality behind that work: even when dedicated people do everything they can, not every story has the ending they hope for.

Their memory lives on

Cannon Hall Farm’s tribute is also a reflection of the bond that can develop between people and animals.

Farmers and veterinary professionals see the animals they care for through good days and difficult ones. They celebrate milestones, respond to emergencies and invest enormous effort in their wellbeing.

For visitors and online followers, Ruby and Iris became part of that shared story, too.

Although both horses are gone, Cannon Hall Farm continues to care for its remaining Shires and support the future of the breed.

Ruby and Iris may no longer be at the farm, but their stories remain part of the lives of the people who loved them.

Sometimes, the most meaningful tribute is simply to remember the animals who touched our hearts — and the people who did everything they could for them.