Shire Canal Horse Commission

Commissioned by Swansea Council, this full-scale Shire horse sculpture pays tribute to the region’s canal heritage and the working horses that once pulled barges along its waterways. Made entirely from recycled metal horseshoes and steel bar, the piece honours both the strength of the Shire and the grit of local history.

Crafted by hand, each horseshoe was individually selected, shaped, and welded to form the powerful frame of the horse in motion. The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of Swansea’s industrial and agricultural past and the vital role horses played within it.

Materials Used

Reclaimed horseshoes.