It is important to remember that the creation and promotion of the English Shire Registry was, at least in part, due to the Americans wanting registered stock. It surely stands to reason they would also want to continue this practice after getting those horses on American soil. We have also learned of the desire to improve the quality of the breed. One method to do this, of course, would be the keeping of records, which is still in practice today.

Seeing the need for the Americans to promote quality, and the continued desire to expand the breed, the British contributed funds to help organize the registry in the US. Thus, on April 28, 1885, the American Shire Horse Association was organized. It was incorporated on May 21, 1885.

Article II, "Object of the Constitution," reads: "The object of this Association shall be the revision, preservation and publication of the history and pedigree of purebred Shire stallions and mares, and such regulations as may be prescribed by the Association."

It was surely in the best interest of the English Society to insure a quality animal in the US in order to continue their exports and fill an ever-increasing demand. The close ties and good relations between the Shire Horse Society and the American Shire Horse Association have always been evident; much more so than the other draft breed associations.

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