Buttermere Shires
About us
We are a family-based stud owned by Michael and Hollie Butterworth. Based in the heart of Bacup, Lancashire. We breed and Show our shires all over the country, both inhand and ridden.
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Hollie Butterworth
I partake mainly I the ridden aspect, however I do have a dabble at the inhand. You’ll mainly find me riding whatever the weather. My job is to keep them looking in show condition and keeping them fit enough to compete. Along with doing the daily jobs with horses from mucking out, feeding oiling them up I also do the plaiting of the manes. For inhand we do this with flights, for ridden we do this without our colours are red white and blue. I never thought id own one shire let alone 4+ but I wouldn’t change it for the world. They are magnificent animals and are definitely a breed for the future! In 2022 our Shire Gelding (a son of our late stallion) made my dreams come true! HOYS 2022. Consistently high ride marks and to finish second at HOYS incredibly proud being home produced also!
Michael Butterworth
I have always had a passion for the breed since I was a young child where we used to keep our horses at a stud. I promised myself once I qualified as a farrier, I would start my own stud to give back to this magnificent breed.
My main role is to keep the horse’s feet in top condition, on most days you will find me in the forge preparing the shoes for the season ahead, not only for my own horses but for my client’s shires too!
On a show day I do the tail decorations on the horses and take the horses in the ring (mostly!), as for the breeding aspect, I’m the one making sure the stallion behaves during covering, its about teaching the balance between when they're covering and when they're not.
The Kids!
The kids love being involved with the horses, we do keep a close eye on them mind but they love giving them a groom or a bath with us! The horses love the attention from them and the kids often sneak them carrots or apples from the fruit bowl! Tahlia is our eldest and she is hoping to be the next upcoming young handler.
