Horse breeds / Old English Black
Photo: Louis Moll; Eugène Nicolas Gayot; François Hippolyte… · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Old English Black
The Old English Black is a horse from the north of England, developed from the large black horses that were once used to carry knights and pull heavy loads. Its ancestry is closely tied to the Shire and to the old war-horse type, and it was bred as a sturdy draft and farm animal rather than a light riding horse. Its numbers fell sharply during the twentieth century as mechanization replaced working horses, and the breed has since been kept alive by a small group of dedicated breeders.
Owners describe the Old English Black as calm, willing and steady, with a heavy, deliberate way of going. It is generally patient with handlers, which makes it suitable for owners who are new to large horses, though its size means it is best matched with a rider or driver who is confident and consistent. It is more often driven in harness or used for light work than ridden in competition, and it tends to suit slow, pleasant riding over demanding athletic disciplines.
Day to day, the breed needs regular turnout, sensible work and plenty of companionship, since horses of this type do poorly when isolated. Its feathered legs and thick coat require routine care to keep clean and healthy, and its large frame means it needs a well-fitted routine for feeding, hoof care and farrier visits.
Good for: Experienced owners, driving, steady pleasure riding
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1213–1543 lb |
| Height | 63–68 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
Expect a large, heavy horse with real feeding and hoof-care costs, so confirm you can manage its size before buying.
Living with a Old English Black
Exercise
A healthy adult typically needs around 30 to 60 minutes of ridden or driven work most days, along with daily turnout. Too little work can lead to weight gain, stiffness and boredom, while overwork on hard ground can strain the legs of a large horse.
Grooming
The coat is thick and often shows a heavy winter growth, so regular brushing helps keep the skin healthy. Feathered legs should be cleaned and dried after wet conditions to prevent skin problems. Mane and tail are typically left natural, and hooves need regular trimming or shoeing by a farrier.
At home
The Old English Black copes well with turnout in most weather thanks to its heavy coat and sturdy build, though it still needs shelter from wind, rain and heat. It does best in a herd and can become unsettled when kept alone. It is generally a moderate keeper, and many owners find that good pasture plus a measured amount of hay meets its needs, with extra feed only when work or cold weather increases demand.
Training
The Old English Black learns through patience and repetition rather than quick responses, and it responds best to calm, consistent handling. It is well suited to driving, light trail work and steady pleasure riding, and less suited to fast or technical disciplines. A green horse of this breed will usually take time to build strength and muscle, so expect slow, measured progress and avoid asking for too much too soon.
Health
Like many large, heavy breeds, Old English Blacks may be prone to leg and hoof problems, and owners should watch for signs of laminitis, especially if they are overweight. Metabolic issues can also arise with rich pasture. Ask your vet to recommend a health plan suited to your horse and your local conditions.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Leg and hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Old English Black
Forage and water, adult
21–34 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1213–1543 lb, and 12–22 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,600–$5,950
Hay about $2,409, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Old English Black is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Old English Black
Shelters and breed rescues list Old English Blacks and Old English Black mixes every week. Search adoptable Old English Blacks on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Old English Black right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, gentle horse for slow, pleasant work
- Yes if you enjoy driving or light harness work
- Yes if you can offer a herd or regular companionship
- Think twice if you want a fast or athletic competition horse
- Think twice if you have limited space or feed budget for a large horse
Questions owners ask
Is the Old English Black good for beginners?
It can suit calm, confident beginners, but its size and weight make it better for owners with some experience handling large horses.
How much does an Old English Black cost?
Prices vary widely by breeding, age and location, and the breed is rare, so expect to pay more than for common types. Check with breeders and registries.
How tall does an Old English Black get?
Adults typically stand around 160 to 173 centimetres at the withers, which is roughly 16 to 17 hands.
How long does an Old English Black live?
With good care, the breed commonly lives around 25 to 30 years, though individual horses vary with health and management.
Is the Old English Black an easy keeper?
It is generally moderate rather than an easy keeper, and owners should monitor body condition to avoid weight gain on rich pasture.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.