Last updated: August 4, 2021
Place
Leeds Lion Barn
NPS/Grant-Kohrs Ranch
Quick Facts
Location:
Grant Kohrs Ranch
Significance:
Historical Structure
Designation:
National Historic Site
Amenities
6 listed
Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trash/Litter Receptacles
This small barn once housed a prized Shire draft horse named “Leeds Lion.” He was a vital part of the Kohrs-Bielenberg ranching and breeding operations during the early 20th century. The building was originally constructed in the early 1870’s and it’s believed that it housed several other stallions before Leeds Lion arrived around 1906-1907.
Shires originated from central England and are descendants from the English “great horse,” which carried men in full battle armor and pulled heavy equipment into war. They are one of the tallest and strongest breeds of draft horses, and average 17 hands, or roughly 68 inches height and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. They first arrived in the United States in the mid 1800’s and quickly became popular with farmers and ranchers for their tremendous power and ability to haul heavy equipment and loads over rough roads.
While most of the day-to-day operations of the Kohrs-Bielenberg Ranch were oriented towards beef cattle, the breeding and selling of thoroughbred and draft horses became an integral part of their business. Both Conrad Kohrs and John Bielenberg had previously worked with Clydesdales, but apparently felt that Shires could outperform them and began a new breeding program. In 1907, Kohrs imported Leeds Lion, who was a descendant of a well-known sire that was tough, smart, and hardworking to bring new stock into his herd of draft horses.
In the 1930’s, Conrad Warren took over the family business and continued the tradition of breeding draft horses on the ranch. He never preferred Clydesdales or Shires though and purchased Belgian stallions. By 1936, Warren had the largest breeding herd in Montana, but the demand for hard working draft horses was quickly replaced by tractors and other
Shires originated from central England and are descendants from the English “great horse,” which carried men in full battle armor and pulled heavy equipment into war. They are one of the tallest and strongest breeds of draft horses, and average 17 hands, or roughly 68 inches height and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. They first arrived in the United States in the mid 1800’s and quickly became popular with farmers and ranchers for their tremendous power and ability to haul heavy equipment and loads over rough roads.
While most of the day-to-day operations of the Kohrs-Bielenberg Ranch were oriented towards beef cattle, the breeding and selling of thoroughbred and draft horses became an integral part of their business. Both Conrad Kohrs and John Bielenberg had previously worked with Clydesdales, but apparently felt that Shires could outperform them and began a new breeding program. In 1907, Kohrs imported Leeds Lion, who was a descendant of a well-known sire that was tough, smart, and hardworking to bring new stock into his herd of draft horses.
In the 1930’s, Conrad Warren took over the family business and continued the tradition of breeding draft horses on the ranch. He never preferred Clydesdales or Shires though and purchased Belgian stallions. By 1936, Warren had the largest breeding herd in Montana, but the demand for hard working draft horses was quickly replaced by tractors and other