Shires

 

Shires Equestrian is our deepest English line — over 550 products spanning ARMA boots, fine-mesh fly masks, Velociti bits, bridlework and turnout blankets. Everything on this page ships from US warehouses — no overseas wait — and carries our 365-day guarantee.

What riders ask us about Shires

Does Shires blanket sizing run different from US brands? Which ARMA boot replaces my old sports medicine boots? Are the fine-mesh fly masks durable enough for a mask-destroying horse? Are Velociti bits legal for dressage? Which Shires bridle leather is worth the step up?

How to choose within the Shires line

Blankets and sheets: Shires sizes in 3-inch increments like US brands, measured center-chest to tail — check the size chart on each product page rather than sizing up "to be safe." Denier tells you toughness: 600D for the gentle horse, 1200D+ for the blanket shredder, and fill weight (grams) sets the warmth. Fly masks: the fine-mesh range is known for visibility; for rough turnout groups pick the versions with ears and reinforced binding, and consider keeping a spare at this price point. ARMA boots: sized S–XL by the build of the horse — check the leg-measurement chart per product, since cob-built horses often take a Medium.

Bits: the Velociti range covers the everyday snaffle family at a fair price, including lozenge mouthpieces designed with dressage rules in mind — our dressage-legal bits guide explains how to check a specific cheek-and-mouthpiece combination against the current USEF/USDF appendix before you show. Shires is also the maker behind our Digby & Fox dog line, so the collar leather matches their bridlework standards.

What this page is not for

Heavy western tack — cinches, roping gear, western saddle hardware — lives with Weaver and Professional's Choice.

FAQs

How does Shires blanket sizing compare to US brands?

Same 3-inch increment system measured center-chest to tail. Measure your horse rather than assuming your usual size, and check the product's own chart — cuts vary by range.

Are Shires fly masks durable?

The fine-mesh masks hold up to normal turnout; for known mask-destroyers choose the reinforced-binding styles.

Are Velociti bits dressage legal?

Many of the lozenge snaffles are designed to be — but legality depends on the exact mouthpiece, cheek and dimensions, so always check the current USEF/USDF appendix for your level before showing.

Does Shires gear ship from the US?

Yes — everything on this page ships from US warehouses.

What sizes do ARMA boots come in?

Most styles run S, M, L and XL with a per-product measurement chart; fit to the leg measurement, not the horse's height.

What denier and fill weight for turnout blankets?

600D suits a horse that's gentle on blankets; 1200D or heavier for group turnout and shredders. For warmth, a 0g sheet blocks wind and rain, around 200g covers most cold snaps, and 300g+ is for clipped horses and hard winters.

Further reading

Gentle horse bits guide · English riding boots guide · Dressage-legal bits