Duke - Britain's tallest horse

At 19.3 hands high, Duke is the tallest horse in Britain, yet the lofty fella is terrified of mice, freaks if he hears a mobile phone ring and a wimp when it comes to rain. Sanctuary Owner Sara Ross, takes up the story.

"Looks can be deceiving. Duke may appear to be a mega stallion of a horse but really he`s as gentle and timid as a new born lamb. The Shire Horse came to us 18 months ago after his owner suddenly died. Duke hasn't stopped growing since.

If he continues to grow he'll soon tower over a horse in Canada that`s just an inch taller, who currently holds the title of the world`s tallest horse. Despite their huge size Shire Horses tend to be laid back and unfazed. Not so five year old Duke, he is quite a character. He refuses to go out if it's raining and if he sees the tiniest of mice he bolts. Not what you would expect from a horse that`s 6ft 5" at the shoulder, whose as heavy as a four door saloon car and costs just as much to run. He munches through some £90 worth of grub a week, twice as much as a normal horse. He lives in a custom built, made to measure reinforced stable that cost over £5,000 to build. His best mate is a somewhat smaller - a Shetland Pony called Jasper. The two are inseparable. Where Jasper wanders, Duke tends to follow like a bodyguard. I have run my sanctuary called The Horse Refuge for 14 years now.

I can`t bear cruelty to horses and ponies. Non are ever refused a home here. Many arrive bearing signs of psychical abuse and mental scarring, so cannot be re-homed. They tend to be the horses no one wants anymore, having been passed around and around. Our sole aim is to offer a safe loving home to the sick and abused.

To what some of the horses have been through this place must be heaven. With TLC and patience they can all learn to trust again. I have 20 acres here at Dobell Farm, near Tenterden, Kent, allowing the 40 permanent residents a good gallop.

Duke gets on well with all the other horses. Despite his height and one ton weight he is a big softy. People visiting the refuge can't believe his size. The average height for a Shire is 17.2 hands. Duke proudly holds the title of Britain's tallest Horse and he's still growing. It's a good job he has such a gentle nature or he'd be the boss around here for sure."

(PIC: Matt Sprake/NEWSPICS)