William R Cottrell

William R Cottrell, Shire horses, Steelville, MO in the Missouri Ozarks near St. Louis, is dedicated to breeding strong, gentle draft horses suited for farm work and driving. With over a decade of experience, he works with national draft horse registries and follows breed-specific health screening protocols. Each horse undergoes annual Coggins testing, dental checkups, and professional hoof care to maintain soundness.

His horses graze on open pastures and receive daily handling to promote even temperaments and sound development. Cottrell emphasizes early socialization with children and integration with mixed livestock for adaptability. The farm’s heritage methods combine balanced nutrition with kind training techniques rooted in traditional draft horse care. Each foal benefits from individualized attention from weaning through maturity, supporting bone strength and social skills. Several offspring have earned placements at regional plowing trials, reflecting their versatility and calm, steady nature.