Post by Sapphire VenderMarwe on Jan 18, 2015 2:53:04 GMT 2
Welcome to the Draft Breed Federation, here you will find the history, genetics, rules and regulations of the thoroughbred. Also Draft breed society listings.
Brief History:
Humans domesticated horses and needed them to perform a variety of duties. One type of horse-powered work was the hauling of heavy loads, plowing fields, and other tasks that required pulling ability. A heavy, calm, patient, well-muscled animal was desired for this work. Conversely, a light, more energetic horse was needed for riding and rapid transport. Thus, to the extent possible, a certain amount of selective breeding was used to develop different types of horse for different types of work.
While it is a common misunderstanding that the Destrier that carried the armoured knight of the Middle Ages had the size and conformation of a modern draft horse, and some of these Medieval war horses may have provided some bloodlines for some of the modern draft breeds, the reality was that the high-spirited, quick-moving Destrier was closer to the size, build, and temperament of a modern Andalusian or Friesian. There also were working farm horses of more phlegmatic temperaments used for pulling military wagons or performing ordinary farm work also provided bloodlines of the modern draft horse. Records indicate that even medieval drafts were not as large as those today. Of the modern draft breeds, the Percheron probably has the closest ties to the medieval war horse.
By the 19th century, horses weighing more than 1600 pounds that also moved at a quick pace were in demand. Tall stature, muscular backs, and powerful hindquarters made the draft horse a source of “horsepower” for farming, hauling freight and moving passengers, particularly before railroads came on the scene. Even in the 20th century, draft horses were used for practical work, including over half a million used during World War I to support the military effort.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, thousands of draft horses were imported from Western Europe into the United States. Percherons came from France, Belgians from Belgium, Shires from England, Clydesdales from Scotland. Many American draft registries were founded in the late 19th century. The Percheron, with 40,000 broodmares registered as of 1915, was America’s most numerous draft breed at the turn of the 20th century. A breed developed exclusively in the U.S. was the American Cream Draft, which had a stud book established by the 1930s.
Beginning in the late 19th century, and with increasing mechanization in the 20th century, especially following World War I in the USA and after World War II in Europe, the popularity of the internal combustion engine, and particularly the tractor, reduced the need for the draft horse. Many were sold to slaughter for horsemeat and a number of breeds went into significant decline.
Today draft horses are most often seen at shows, pulling competition and entered in competitions called "heavy horse" trials, or as exhibition animals pulling large wagons. However, they are still seen on some smaller farms in the USA and Europe. They are particularly popular with groups such as Amish and Mennonite farmers, as well as those individuals who wish to farm with a renewable source of power. They are also sometime used during forestry management to remove logs from dense woodland where there is insufficient space for mechanized techniques. Crossbred draft horses also played a significant role in the development of a number of warmblood breeds, popular today in international FEI competition up to the Olympic Equestrian level.
Small areas still exist where draft horses are widely used as transportation, due to legislation preventing automotive traffic, such as on Mackinac Island in the United States.
Abtenauer
The Abtenauer is a horse breed of German extraction. An easy trotter, it is particularly graceful and fluid in its movements. Although of average size, the Abtenauer is actually a draft horse and accustomed to pulling heavy loads on mountainous terrain. Unfortunately, the Abtenauer has become a rare breed.
Standing at about 14.2 to 15.1 hands high (57-60 inches, 144-155 centimeters), the Abtenauer is rather small and stocky breed with a well-defined head. It has powerful, muscular legs and great balance. It is also agile, strong, and sure-footed. These characteristics make it especially suitable for navigating mountainous, rugged terrain.
Curiously, the Abtenauer has curly hair when it is born, but this is shed along with its baby hair. It is found in various colors, including rich brown and chestnut, but there are also a lot of blue roans and blacks. Spotted Abtenauers, meanwhile, are very rare; moreover, spots are generally considered unattractive in the breed.
The Abtenauer is docile, hard working, obedient, and undemanding, all of which make it an ideal draft horse. And because it is cold-blooded, the Abtenauer can withstand extremely cold temperatures, perfect for hauling loads up in the mountains.
The Abtenauer, used in rugged terrain and cold weather, is a hardy horse that does not require special care. In fact, Abtenauer mares and foals are always sent to the mountains during the summer to pasture. The all-white meadows serve as their roaming field during this time. Once a week, they are fed salt to prevent them from running completely wild.
However, hardy as it is, efforts must be made to save the Abtenauer breed from extinction. Otherwise, this hardy and extremely useful draft horse may become just another page in the history of horses.
The Abtenauer is a German-blooded horse but it was bred and raised near Salzburg, Austria; more specifically, the Abtenau valley from which it got its name. According to records, around a 100 Abtenauer mares were bred in this valley and used for hauling heavy loads up the mountains.
The Abtenauer is also said to be related to the Noriker horse breed -- another known breed in Austria, the roots of which can be traced back to Greece -- although the Abtenauer is lighter in build. The Abtenauer is considered to be the smallest variant of this breed.
American Cream Draft
The American Cream Draft is a rare draft horse breed, the only such breed developed in the United States that is still in existence. It is recognized by its cream color, known as "gold champagne", produced by the action of the champagne gene upon a chestnut base color, and by its amber eyes, also characteristic of the gene; the only other color found in the breed is chestnut. Like several other breeds of draft horses, the American Cream is at risk for the autosomal recessive genetic disease junctional epidermolysis bullosa.
The breed was developed in Iowa during the early 20th century, beginning with a cream-colored mare named Old Granny. The Great Depression threatened the breed's existence, but several breeders worked to improve the color and type of the breed, and in 1944 a breed registry was formed. The mechanization of farming in the mid-20th century led to a decrease in the breed's population and the registry became inactive for several decades. It was reactivated in 1982 and population numbers have slowly grown since then. However, population numbers are still considered critical by The Livestock Conservancy and the Equus Survival Trust.
American Creams have refined heads, with flat facial profiles that are neither concave nor convex. They have wide chests, sloping shoulders and short, strong backs. Their ribs are well sprung, and they are short-coupled with well-muscled hindquarters and with strong well-proportioned legs set well apart. They are sure-footed with strong hooves, and their movement is free and easy. According to enthusiasts, the breed has a calm, willing temperament, particularly suited for owners who are new to handling draft horses. Mares stand 15–16 hands (60–64 inches, 152–163 cm) high and weigh 1,500–1,600 pounds (680–730 kg), while stallions and geldings stand 16–16.3 hands (64–67 inches, 163–170 cm) and weigh 1,800 pounds (820 kg) or more.
The ideal coat color for the breed is a medium cream with pink skin, amber eyes and a white mane and tail. The characteristic cream color of the breed is produced by the champagne gene. Recognized colors include light, medium and dark cream, with amber or hazel eyes. A cream mare with dark skin and a light mane and tail may be accepted by the registry as foundation stock, while stallions must have pink skin and white manes and tails to be registered. Purebred American Cream foals that are too dark to be accepted into the main breed registry may be recorded into an appendix registry. The appendix will also accept half-bred Cream Draft horses crossed with other draft bloodlines if they meet certain requirements, and the registry provides an upgrade system that uses appendix horses to strengthen genes, increase breed numbers, and allow more diversified bloodlines.
Andravida horse
Also called the Eleia, Ilia, or Greek, the Andravida which is a very rare & mysterious light draft breed found in the region of Ilia, Greece. Their ancestors were cavalry horses used by the Athenians in the fourth century BC. Later, in the seventh century BC the Greek cavalry again used the Andravida for war. During times of peace the animals continued to be useful as a light draft for transport & carrying goods. Early in the 20th century the breed saw an influx of Anglo-Norman breeds, but since they have not traditionally been bred outside of Ilia, which part of the reason they are so rare today.
In the 1990′s an Andravida stud sired around 50 healthy colts which were sent to breeders throughout Greece. This one animal may have saved the breed from extinction & became the foundation for the official studbook established in 1995. Their numbers remain very low & they are rarely found anywhere outside of Ilia even today.
Average height 14 – 16 hands, Large, strong horse, Unremarkable head, Chest is deep & muscular and Legs are stocky & powerful.
Ardennes horse
The Ardennes type draft horse is one of the basic foundations of all heavy draft breeds that exist today & they are a true cold-blooded breed. Descendant from the Solutrian horse that roamed the Ardennes area during the Paleolithic period, the breed has continued relatively unchanged since the last ice age. These animals were originally shaped by the land & climate, until mankind began to use/ develop them for war. Since the days of Julius Caesar they have been used as tireless mounts in a variety of wars & warfare tactics – right into the World Wars of the 20th century.
Today there are stud books for the Ardennes breed in many different countries throughout Europe & the UK, although they all breed similar animals & accept each others bloodlines.
In France, Ardennes stallions stand about 1.62 metres (16 hands) high, and mares about 1.60 m (15.3 hands), while in Belgium these are the maximum allowable heights. They weigh 700 to 1,000 kilograms (1,500 to 2,200 lb). Their heads are heavy, with a broad face and a straight or slightly convex profile. Their conformation is broad and muscular, with a compact body, short back, and short, sturdy legs with strong joints. Their fetlocks are feathered. Their coats may be bay, roan, chestnut, gray, or palomino. Bay and roan are the two most common colors. Black is very rare and is excluded from registration. White markings are small, usually restricted to a star or blaze. The breed matures early, and they are said to be easy keepers, economical to feed despite their size. The Ardennes is a free-moving, long-striding breed, despite their compact body structure.
Percheron
The exact origins of the Percheron breed are a mystery, and there are a number of viable theories. However there is one thing they all agree on, this is an ancient breed of horse.Whether they are related to the Boulonnais, come from Celtic animals or have been indigenous to the area since the Ice Age, the breed comes from Le Perche which is on the border of Normandy in France. In this area, native mares were crossed with Arabian stallions around the 8th AD. Later, during the Middle Ages, more Arabian blood was introduced in addition to some Iberian stock.
The official Percheron stud book was established in 1893 and later redefined in 1966 to include many of the local draft breeds that have Percheron influence.
The ideal size for the Percheron varies between countries. In France, height ranges from 15.1 to 18.1 hands (61 to 73 inches, 155 to 185 cm) and weight from 1,100 to 2,600 pounds (500 to 1,200 kg). Percherons in the United States generally stand between 16.2 and 17.3 hands (66 and 71 inches, 168 and 180 cm), with a range of 15 and 19 hands (60 and 76 inches, 152 and 193 cm). American Percherons average 1,900 pounds (860 kg), and their top weight is around 2,600 pounds (1,200 kg). In Great Britain, 16.2 hands (66 inches, 168 cm) is the shortest acceptable height for stallions and 16.1 hands (65 inches, 165 cm) for mares, while weights range from around 2,000 to 2,200 pounds (910 to 1,000 kg) for stallions and 1,800 to 2,000 pounds (820 to 910 kg) for mares. They are generally gray or black in coloring, although the American registry also allows the registration of roan, bay and chestnut horses. Only gray or black horses may be registered in France and Britain. Many horses have white markings on their heads and legs, but registries consider excessive white to be undesirable. The head has a straight profile, broad forehead, large eyes and small ears. The chest is deep and wide and the croup long and level. The feet and legs are clean and heavily muscled. The overall impression of the Percheron is one of power and ruggedness. Enthusiasts describe the temperament as proud and alert, and members of the breed are considered intelligent, willing workers with good dispositions. They are considered easy keepers and adapt well to many conditions and climates. In the 19th century, they were known to travel up to 60 kilometres (37 mi) a day at a trot. Horses in the French registry are branded on the neck with the intertwined letters "SP", the initials of the Société Hippique Percheronne.
Australian Draught horse
The Australian Draught Horse has evolved over the years as a result of cross breeding the four recognized pure draught breeds (in Australia), and, in many cases, this is still being carried out today to produce heavy working horses. As a result, the Australian Draught Horse carries characteristics of these four pure breeds, and occasionally some light horse blood as well, as seen in the part-draughts. The purebred lines to be found in the Australian Draught today are: Clydesdale, Shire, Percheron and Suffolk Punch (as well as the more recent introduction of Belgians). The characteristics of these breeds can be found in virtually any combination in the Australian Draught, making many diverse types within the breed. Visual appearance or “type” of horse is not important provided the following qualities can be clearly seen.
The head should not be too large, with a distinctive muzzle; good broad forehead; a large, clear, docile eye; and alert ears of medium size. The jaw should be clean cut and show the horse’s head side on to have the characteristic shape of a draught horse. A stallion should have a masculine head, and a mare should be feminine in appearance.
Medium length with neat coupling to the head; clean throat free of surplus fat and loose skin. Ewe necks undesirable. Stallions should be well crested.
The neck should mould into the shoulder in such a way that there is a distinctive collar bed. The shoulder should be well muscled and blending smoothly into the chest, wither and back area with a gentle slope. The chest should be wide and full, showing good muscling, with the forelegs set well under the body when viewed from any angle. Narrow chest is undesirable. The withers should be in balance with the neck and back, and prominent enough to hold a back saddle firmly in position. However, an over-large or too high wither is undesirable. When viewed from the rear, the horse must give the appearance of a wide and well muscled hindquarter and hip. Mares in particular must have plenty of room for ease of foal carrying and birthing. The side view should show plenty of length from hip to tail set, and should be slightly rounded.
A sloping croup (goose-rump) is undesirable. The rear view should be broad and show a well muscled slope into the thigh and on into the gaskin. Both thigh and gaskin must also show a distinctive amount of muscle. The side view should show well-rounded hindquarters. A vertical line drawn from the point of the buttock to the ground should also pass through the point of the hock and fetlock. Hind legs should show no signs of any thickening or swelling, particularly around the joints. The pasterns should be of medium length with a slope of about 45 degrees. The legs must be set under the body, with hocks neither too straight nor too angled. The lower leg must be vertical with no suggestion of sickle hocks. Cow hocks are definitely not desirable. The hock joints must be strong and broad when viewed from the side; large, deep and well defined when viewed from behind. Cannons should be dense and flat boned with tendons clean, hard and distinct. Fetlock joints should be well defined, clean and strong. Legs should preferably have a light to medium amount of feather.
Forelegs should be straight and well set under the shoulder and chest, from both front and side views, without the suggestion of either calf or buck knees. They should be set in a straight line without being pigeon toed. Toe in or toe out are both undesirable, and the horse should not be tied in behind the knee. The same applies to front legs as for hind legs with no thickening or swelling; canons dense and flat boned, with tendons clean, hard and distinct. The pasterns should be of medium length with a slope of about 45 degrees. Again, due to the influence of the different breeds present, foot size will vary; but, as a guide, average to large feet of symmetrical shape are required. Heels must be wide and clearly defined, and soles must be concave (but not overly so). There should be a large, clearly defined frog, and the coronet must be wide and round in proportion to the leg. Black or striped hoofs are preferred.
All solid colours are acceptable, including true red or blue roans. White legs acceptable on mares; stallions white to the knees and hocks. There shall be no pink pigment around the eyes; no predominantly white heads; no body flashes or white genitalia. Muzzles would preferably be solid coloured.
Back should be straight, with no roach back or sway back. Stallions to be 16 hands or above; mares and geldings 15.2 hands or above.
Auxois
The origins of this breed are uncertain, although some sources say that their ancestors were the Burgandy horse, a heavy breed ridden by knights of the Middle Ages. Breeding of the modern Auxois began in the 19th century in the Cote d’Or & Yonne regions of France. The foundation animals were Percheron, Ardennes, Boulonnais & Northern Ardennais.
After the World Wars, with mechanization on the rise, the Auxois numbers declined significantly. In fact their numbers became so low that purebred Ardennais blood was added to limit inbreeding in the breeding stock. Bred for their extreme size, this breed didn’t take hold in other countries due to the enormous amount of food they required. They are still bred in France, largely to supply the meat industry. Although, their numbers remain dangerously low today.
The Auxois is a horse of great size, larger than the Ardennais and almost as large as the Trait du Nord. It is massively muscular in build, built for heavy pulling. The average height is 15.3 to 16.3 hands (63 to 67 inches, 160 to 170 cm), with an ideal height of 16.1 hands (65 inches, 165 cm) to 16.3 3⁄4 hands (67.75 inches, 172 cm) for stallions and 16 to 16.3 hands (64 to 67 inches, 163 to 170 cm) for mares. They weigh from 700 kilograms (1,500 lb) to more than 910 kilograms (2,010 lb), depending on whether an individual horse is bred for meat, agricultural work or leisure pursuits.
The head is relatively short, with a wide forehead. The neck is also relatively short and muscular, the shoulders long and sloping and the chest wide and deep. The body is solid, with a broad, short back and loins. The hindquarters are well-muscled. The legs are robust, although they can appear small in relation to the mass of the body. They usually have less feathering on the legs than other French draft horse breeds. Horses registered with the studbook may be branded on the left side of the neck with the letters "TX". This brand is generally applied during breed competitions, and only after the age of two.
Auxois horses are usually bay or bay roan in color, although they can also be chestnut or red roan, similar to the Ardennais. gray and seal brown (the latter called black pangaré by the breed registry, although these horses are genetically brown, not black with pangaré markings) are also accepted for registration; all other colors are excluded. The Auxois is known for its power and docility, having a calm and gentle temperament. Like the Ardennais, it is an easy keeper, able to survive outdoors in all seasons, even in the harsh climatic conditions sometimes seen in Morvan and Nievre.
The majority of Auxois are still bred for meat production, and in 2001, 50% of the horses bred were intended for slaughter. However, the power and gaits of the breed make them valued for competitive and leisure driving, as well as equestrian tourism. The smaller horses of the breed are used for milk production. The Auxois is used for celebrations, such as weddings, and historical reenactments. It is also used for logging, and in recent years, has been increasingly used in agriculture, being found in vineyards, gardens and farms. The use of them for the maintenance of rural roads is also in planning.
Belgian Draft
This breed comes from the Brabant region of what is now Belgium where it is called the Cheval de trait belge, Belgisch Trekpaard, Brabants Trekpaard or Brabander. Said to be the most direct descendants of the “Great Horse” of medieval times, the Belgian draft horse was the animal who carried knights onto the battlefield. Most draft breeds today carry Belgian lineage in their bloodlines.
Through the years many of the purebred studs have been shown & exported to countries all over Europe to enhance draft bloodlines. The official studbook was established in 1885.
The foundation of the Belgian Draft was the Brabant & until the end of WWII they were considered the same beed. After the war, the demand for draft horses declined & exports stopped. The Brabant in Europe was selectively bred to be squat & thick. The American bloodlines differ considerably, they are taller, more refined & are almost invariably chestnut with a flaxen mane & tail.
The Belgian Heavy Draft horse stands between 16.2 and 17 hands (66 and 68 inches, 168 and 173 cm). On average the Belgian grows to weigh slightly over 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds). Most American Belgians are a light chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. The head is relatively small and well-shaped. American Belgians in North America are not as large as the European Brabant but is of a similar build.
Currently, the world's tallest horse is a Belgian Draft horse named Big Jake, a gelding born in 2000. He stands 20 hands and 2.75 inches tall.
Belgians have a high occurrence of junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), an inherited genetic disorder that causes newborn foals to lose large areas of skin and have other abnormalities, normally resulting in euthanasia. A study conducted in 2001-2003 found that 17.1% of tested Belgians in the US and Canada were carriers, including 13.5% of stallions and 28.9% of mares. If carriers are not mated, JEB can be avoided, and scientists are studying the disease further in the hope of completely eliminating it. The US Belgian breed registry requires JEB testing. Belgians have also been identified to be at risk for chronic progressive lymphedema, a chronic progressive disease that includes symptoms of progressive swelling, hyperkeratosis and fibrosis of distal limbs. The disease is similar to chronic lymphedema in humans.
Black Forest Horse
Also called Schwarzwälder Kaltblut, St. Märgener & Wälderpferd, the Black Forest horse is a small, tough draft breed with a high fertility rate & a long life span. This hardy animal is bred almost exclusively in the Black Forest in southern Germany. Thought to date back as many as 600 years, The Black Forest horse is a very old native. For many years the breed was used almost exclusively for forestry work, enhancing their already robust constitution. Similar in looks to a large Haflinger, or a small Noriker, they are well suited for the intense climate of their native highlands. In 1896 an association was formed to standardize/ document the breed & it was established that only Belgian draft blood would be added to increase size. However, many locals continued to use native stallions, wanting to preserve the characteristics they found valuable on their farms. During WWI the authorities realized that the Belgians were not suiting the needs of the locals & the studbook was opened to local stock.
As with many heavy breeds of Europe, their numbers have declined as their jobs became mechanized during the 20th century. The breed became endangered, with only 160 registered broodmares reported in 1981. At this point the government stepped in to help protect the Black Forest horse & only the finest stock was used to maintain the best qualities of the breed.
Features of the Black Forest Horse include a dark chestnut coat with a flaxen mane and tail, a short head, strong neck, well laid back shoulders, wide croup (hindquarters) and expansive gaits. It stands from 14.2 to 15.3 hands (58 to 63 inches, 147 to 160 cm) and weighs approximately 500 kg. It has very strong hooves and joints. Short, refined head with small ears & large eyes, Short muscular neck, Short back, Shoulders are powerful but not too bulky, Broad, deep chest and legs are trim & strong with little feathering.
Dark chestnut coat with a flaxen modifier, bay or gray.
Boulonnais horse
Found in the Boulogne District of France, this breed is thought to come from the animals imported by Julius Caesar prior to invading Britain. Later, during the Spanish occupation of the area a great deal of Asian, Barb, Arabian and Andalusian blood influenced their breeding. During the World Wars their numbers shrank considerably and today the government controls the breeding programs to preserve the breed. In the 18th century it was more common to find bay and black within the breed, however as numbers decline the dominant grey gene has made other colors rare.
The Boulonnais today stands from 14.3 to 16.3 hands (59 to 67 inches, 150 to 170 cm) or more. It has a short, elegant head with a broad forehead and a short, muscular neck. Members of the breed have full chests, rounded rib cages and sloping shoulders. The legs are fairly short but robust and strong. Unlike other draft breeds such as the Shire or Clydesdale, it has no heavy feathering on its lower legs. The breed is generally branded with a small anchor mark on the left side of the neck. Due mostly to the many additions of Oriental blood, the Boulonnais has an elegant appearance that is not often seen in heavy draft breeds and it has been called "Europe's noblest draft horse". The fineness of the skin and delicate appearance of the veins has allowed the horse to be described as looking "like polished marble", leading to its "White Marble Horse" nickname.
In 1778, the French National Stud performed an initial survey of the breed and found that most were black or dark bay. During the 1800s, gray horses began to appear, and it was the predominating color by the end of the century. Gray became a popular color during this time due to the use of the horses to haul fish at night – gray horses were more visible in the dark, and therefore more valuable. In the later years of the 20th century, breeders again began to prefer darker colors such as bay and chestnut. Today, chestnut, gray and black are the only colors allowed by the French breed registry, with the vast majority of horses being gray – a popular phrase says that the horses have coats "the color of the clouds from the coast".
Breton horse
There are differing opinions as to where the Breton breed originates. One theory dates them back 4 thousand years, brought to Europe by Asian migrators. Another theory is that they were initially bred by Celtic warriers. Either way they are thought to come from the steppe horses ridden by the Celts. The Breton is a breed of draft horse. It was developed in Brittany, a province in northwest France, from native ancestral stock dating back thousands of years. The Breton was created through the crossbreeding of many different European and Oriental breeds. In 1909, a stud book was created, and in 1951 it was officially closed. The breed is often chestnut in color, and is strong and muscular. There are three distinct subtypes of the Breton, each coming from a different area of Brittany. The Corlay Breton is the smallest type, and is generally used for light draft and under saddle work. The Postier Breton is used for harness and light farm work. The Heavy Draft Breton is the largest subtype, and is generally used for the hardest draft work. This horse breed has been used in military, draft and agricultural capacities. It also has been used to improve and create many other draft breeds, and to produce mules.
Breton horses are usually about 1.58 metres (15.2 hands) tall, but may range from 1.55 to 1.63 m (15.1 to 16.0 hands), depending on type. They usually have a chestnut coat, often with a flaxen mane and tail, but can also be bay, grey, or red or blue roan. Bretons have a well-proportioned head of medium volume with a straight profile and a strong, short neck well-set into muscular withers. The shoulder is long and sloping, the chest broad and muscular, the back short and wide, and the croup sloping. The legs are well-feathered, short but powerful, with broad joints and well-formed hooves.
Clydesdale horse
The Clydesdale is a breed of draught horse derived from the farm horses of Clydesdale, Scotland, and named after that region. Although originally one of the smaller breeds of draught horses, it is now a tall breed. Often bay in colour, they show significant white markings due to the presence of sabino genetics. The breed was originally used for agriculture and haulage, and is still used for draught purposes today. The Budweiser Clydesdales are some of the most famous Clydesdales, and other members of the breed are used as drum horses by the British Household Cavalry. They have also been used to create and improve other draught breeds.
The Clydesdale takes its name from Clydesdale, the old name for Lanarkshire, noted for the River Clyde. In the mid-18th century, Flemish stallions were imported to Scotland and bred to local mares, resulting in foals that were larger than the existing local stock. These included a black unnamed stallion imported from England by a John Paterson of Lochlyloch and an unnamed dark-brown stallion owned by the Duke of Hamilton. Another prominent stallion was a 16.1 hands (65inches, 165 cm) coach horse stallion of unknown lineage named Blaze. Written pedigrees were kept of these foals beginning in the early 19th century, and in 1806 a filly, later known as "Lampits mare" after the farm name of her owner, was born that traced her lineage to the black stallion. This mare is listed in the ancestry of almost every Clydesdale living today. One of her foals was Thompson's Black Horse (known as Glancer), who was to have a significant influence on the Clydesdale breed. The first recorded use of the name "Clydesdale" in reference to the breed was in 1826 at an exhibition in Glasgow. Another theory of their origin, that of them descending from Flemish horses brought to Scotland as early as the 15th century, was also promulgated in the late 18th century. However, even the author of that theory admitted that the common story of their ancestry is more likely.
The conformation of the Clydesdale has changed eagerly throughout its history. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was a compact horse smaller than the Shire, Percheron and Belgian. Beginning in the 1940s, breeding animals were selected to produce taller horses that looked more impressive in parades and shows. Today, the Clydesdale stands 16 to 18 hands (64 to 72 inches, 163 to 183 cm) high and weighs 1,800 to 2,000 pounds (820 to 910 kg). Some mature males are larger, standing taller than 18 hands and weighing up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg). The breed has a straight or slightly convex facial profile, broad forehead and wide muzzle. It is well-muscled and strong, with an arched neck, high withers and a sloped shoulder. Breed associations pay close attention to the quality of the hooves and legs, as well as the general movement. Their gaits are active, with clearly lifted hooves and a general impression of power and quality. Clydesdales are energetic, with a manner described by the Clydesdale Horse Society as a "gaiety of carriage and outlook." Clydesdales have been identified to be at risk for chronic progressive lymphedema, a disease with clinical signs that include progressive swelling, hyperkeratosis and fibrosis of distal limbs that is similar to chronic lymphedema in humans.
Clydesdales are usually bay in colour, but roan, black, grey and chestnut also occur. Most have white markings, including white on the face, feet, legs and occasional body spotting (generally on the lower belly). They also have extensive feathering on their lower legs. Roaning, body spotting and extensive white markings are thought to be the result of sabino genetics. Some Clydesdale breeders want white face and leg markings without the spotting on the body. To attempt getting the ideal set of markings, they often breed horses with only one white leg to horses with four white legs and sabino roaning on their bodies. On average, the result is a foal with the desired amount of white markings. Clydesdales do not have the SB1 (Sabino 1) gene responsible for causing sabino expressions in many other breeds, and researchers theorise that there are several other genes responsible for these patterns. Many buyers pay a premium for bay and black horses, especially those with four white legs and white facial markings. Specific colours are often preferred over other physical traits, and some buyers will even choose horses with soundness problems if they have the desired colour and markings. Roan horses are not preferred by buyers, despite one draught breed writer theorizing that they are needed in order to keep the desired coat colours and texture. Breed associations, however, state that there are no bad colours, and that horses with roaning and body spots are increasingly accepted.
Comtois horse
The Comtois (pronounced con-twa) is a very old breed that is thought to have descended from horses brought to France from northern Germany by the Burgundians in the fourth century. In the sixteenth century, the Comtois was used to improve the horses of Burgundy and became famous as a cavalry and artillery horse. Louis XIV’s used this breed in his armies, as did Napoleon on his campaign into Russia. During the nineteenth century the Comtois was bred with other draft breeds like the Norman, Boulonnais and Percheron. Since 1905 a stronger horse with improved legs has emerged by using small Ardennais sires. The Comtois has good qualities of endurance, hardiness and balance. They are also good-natured, easy to train and hard working.
The breed has remained in the same area of eastern France since its original introduction, now called the Franche-Comté region, where the Jura mountains border France and Switzerland. In 1910 the first Comtois Breeder’s Competition took place in Maiche, where the Breed Show is still held today. In 1919 the Comtois Stud was created and is located in Besancon. During the last century the Comtois became an everyday farming work-horse in the region and,
despite the growing mechanisation of farming methods, the Comtois retained a strong presence
in the fields throughout the Franche-Comté.
Today, the breed is still widely used for farming and is particularly suited to hauling timber in the high pine forests of the Jura and working in the hilly vineyards of the Arbois area of eastern France.
The confirmation of the Comtois describes a draft horse with a large head, alert eyes and small ears. A straight neck joins the body, which is stocky and powerful with a deep girth. The back is long and straight. They have short, strong legs with little feather and muscular hindquarters. The mane and tail are both thick. They are found in varying shades of chestnut, known in French as Alezan, often deepening to a dark chocolate brown or bay. The mane and tail are by contrast a light flaxen and they stand between 14.2 and 16 hands high. They have a very kind nature and an ability to learn very quickly. Like all horses they come with different characters, some are steady and quiet and some have a little more spirit!! So, it’s easy to say that there’s a Comtois to suit everyone. Today the Comtois is the most abundant breed of heavy horse in France; there are approximately 850 stallions covering 13,000 mares each year and the emphasis of breeding is gradually changing. Many more Comtois are now being used for leisure and lighter work each year, with less emphasis on traditional draft work. Breeders and owner alike are realizing how much fun they can have with a breed that is quick to learn, flexible to work and always wants to please.
Croatian Coldblood
Believed to date back to the 19th century, the Croatian Coldblood is a relatively new breed of heavy draught horse which originated in the central and north-western region of Croatia. It is thought the breed was influenced by native Warmblood mares and Noriker breed stallions, later being added to by the Percheron, Ardennes and Brabant. Today, the Croatian Coldblood is not well known outside its homeland and breed numbers remain low. Owners and enthusiasts describe the breed’s easy temperament, low maintenance and willingness to work, although today the Croatian Coldblood is a popular choice for meat production in Croatia as heavy working breeds such as the Ardennes often are.
Boasting a stocky structure and appearance, the Croatian Coldblood is well evolved for farming and agricultural work with well conformed legs, a deep chest and a strong head. The average height of a Croatian Coldblood is between 14.5-15.5 hands, although there are examples outside this range. The breed is suited to changeable climates and is both hardy and long lived.
Drum Horse
The term Drum Horse is used in Britain to describe the horses that carry a rider and 2 silver kettledrums during certain Ceremonies of State, processions or exhibitions. Throughout history, the preferred type of horse to perform this job has varied with the era and the regiment it performed with. The one common factor was that they had to be a large, strong horse with an even temperament. The size and strength were required because the combined weight of the drums and rider could easily exceed 300 pounds and an easy disposition because of the parade atmosphere they were often required to perform in. And to make things just a little more difficult, the rider’s hands had to be free to beat the drums, so the reins are attached to the rider’s stirrups.
Drum Horses have a long and colorful history in the British Military. Some of the earliest regiments documenting Drum Horses are the Royal Scots Greys (1678), the 6th Dragoon Guards and the 3rd Hussars (both 1685), the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers (1689) and the 10th Royal Hussars and 9th Queen’s Lancers (both 1715). These horses, and their successors, saw service wherever the regiments were sent, including India, Flanders, the Crimea and Palestine.
The Drum Horse has captured the imagination with his stunning good looks and stately air. Though it has some similarities to the Gypsy Cob, the Drum Horse stands at least 16hh and utilizes the bloodlines of the Clydesdale, Shire, Friesian and Gypsy Cob. It is a heavy horse, of any color or pattern, with lovely feather and exceptional disposition. Developed as a heavy riding horse, the Drum Horse is suited for low level dressage, eventing, hunting, saddle seat, trail, pleasure and, of course, makes an excellent driving horse.
Dølehest
The Døle horse is the largest of the Norwegian native breeds. Dølehesten is a light draught horse, has also been called the Gudbrandsdals horse and the East Country Horse denoting the area where the breed originally came from. As early as 1870 the dølehorse type was established - the heavier type being preferred. Veikle Balder 4 is to be considered the founding father of this breed. Interestingly enough on his sires who is descended from the thoroughbred stallion Odin by Partisan. Veikle Balder 4 is the first state owned stallion to og with mares in mountain pastures of Heimdalen and Sikkilsdalen
In size, the dølehorse range from about 145 - 155 cm. (14.1 - 15.3 hands). The movements should be active and free in all 3 gaits. The overall impression should be one of a real quality, small draught horse. The color can be black, brown, red (skimmel) borkete and yellow, with or without markings.
Dutch Heavy Draft
The Dutch Heavy Draft is a fairly new species of horse from the Netherlands. After World War I they were developed for heavy draft and farm work by cross-breeding a Brabant, Zeeland-type Dutch mare and a Belgian Ardennes. Since 1925, the only horse allowed to be registered into the stud book is from registered parents. Other names for the breed are Dutch Draft, Dutch Draught or Nederland Trekpaard.
The Dutch Draft is a massive, solidly built horse. It was bred primarily for draft work, so the governing society for the breed, The Royal Society, purposely choose well-developed stock for the breeding program.
Ideally, the Dutch draft should measure 16 hands tall (64 inches, 162.5 centimeters) and have well-defined withers, hind quarters, and loins. Its legs should be muscular, while its hooves must be strong and firm. The most common coat colors for the Dutch Draft are bay and gray, although black is sometimes seen.
Estonian Draft
The Estonian Draft is a horse breed that originated in Estonia, formerly part of the Soviet Union. Considered rare today, the breed is suited to heavy draft work. The Estonian Draft was developed through a selective crossing process. Specifically, Estonian native mares were mated with the larger Ardennes horses from Sweden this is the reason why it is also called the Eston-Arden horse. The crossbreeding efforts were initiated in an attempt to produce a great working horse of large size with a strong body, great endurance, and good temperament. Bascially, the perfect working horse. They selected the parent stock based on various criteria: for instance, the horse should be of a good size; it should be lean rather than heavy; it should have an efficient metabolism; it must be calm and it must have a great aptitude for work.
Estonian Drafts are generally bay or chestnut in color. Standing at an average height of 15 to 15.2 hands ((60-61 inches, 152-155 centimeters), modern-day Estonian Draft horses are bony and are of the harness type. Its body is densely-muscled and compact, which is suitable for heavy draft work.
Gypsy Vanner
The Gypsy Horse was bred by the Romanichal of Great Britain to pull the vardoes in which they lived and traveled. The Romanichal had arrived in the British Isles by 1500 A.D., but they did not begin to live in vardoes until around 1850. Prior to that, they traveled in tilted carts or afoot and slept either under or in these carts or in small tents. The peak usage of the Gypsy caravan occurred in the latter part of the 19th century and the first two decades of the 20th.
In 1996 Dennis and Cindy Thompson established the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. To understand the importance of the Thompsons’ work, and this breed, one must know that hidden behind shrubs and under bridges; amid the indiscriminate breeding practices that had caused the world around the Gypsies to see any horse bred by them as nothing more than trade horses for consumption; a breed had been developed.
The height as measured at the withers will normally be between 13.2 hands to 15.2 hands although there may be individuals outside this range. Simply stated, larger or smaller versions of the identical conformation profile and standards are all equally acceptable.
The acceptable descriptive terms for the coat colors of the Gypsy Vanner horse are:
Piebald – Black and White Tobiano
Skewbald - Combinations of Brown, Red and White including tri-colored Tobiano
Blagdon* – Solid color with white splashed up from underneath
Odd Colored – All other colors
It is important to note, the Gypsy Vanner is not a breed based on color, although the easily recognizable coat colors set the breed apart from others.
The first glance, impression of the breed is its stature as a small draft horse. The image is enhanced with feathering, muscular development and size. The presence and quality of the breed reflect in its personality of being gentle, cooperative and willing, yet powerful. The head is characteristically pleasant reflecting gender, with an intelligent eye. The neck comes up high and forward off the shoulder, yielding a positive set and arch to the neck. The topline is level from wither to tail head, with a slight turn to the croup to enhance the powerful abilities of the hindquarters. The muscling is balanced throughout the body with the harmonious blending of all anatomical regions. The limbs are straight and correct, of such size and definition to be proportional to height and muscular development of the animal.
Italian Heavy Draft
The breed dates back to 1860 when the horse production branch of the Department of War began crossbreeding Breton stallions to mares of the northeastern Italian plains. The mares were of varied stock and included Hackney, Belgian Draft & Breton origin. Through continuous cross breeding of those same lines the Italian Heavy Draft came about with their own distinguishing characteristics.
In 1926 a stud book was formed and until the mid-20th century the Italian Draft was a popular breed as they were not just powerful, but fast as well. Towards the end of the 20th century the need for a heavy draft had all but died out and their numbers declined sharply.
In the 1970′s a program was put into place to improve the breed for meat production which is what they are primarily raised for today.
Italian Heavy Drafts most commonly come in chestnut, while there might be white markings on the legs and head. The mane and tail are usually flaxen.
The Italian Heavy Draft is a compact, muscular horse. It has a long head with expressive eyes and small ears. Its neck is short and strong while its back is wide and flat. The chest is broad and deep and the shoulders robust. It has muscular legs with boxy hooves and some feathering and strong, round hindquarters. Its overall appearance is robust and strong. Standing between, 15 to 16 hands.
Jutland horse
The Jutland breed gets its name from the Danish peninsula of Jutland. These horses have been around at least since the middle ages. The breed as we know it today was formed around 1850 when Danish horses were infused with Shire and Suffolk horse blood. The first Jutland horse breeders association was established in 1887. The breed's association with the Carlsberg industry began in the late 1920's. In the early years Carlsberg utilized approximately 210 horses; nowadays only 20 are used to transport beer across Copenhagen.
The Jutland is a Danish draft horse breed. It has a good sized, compact body with short legs and large quarters. Its legs are heavily feathered. It has expressive, gentle eyes, long ears and thick, strong neck. Its shoulders are massive and muscular and its chest broad and deep. The overall impression one gets from looking at this horse is that of a sturdy, strong animal. Standing between 15-16 hands high. Its weight ranges between 650-800kg. Some Jutlands are black or brown; however the most common breed color is chestnut. The mane and tail are usually flaxen.
Lithuanian Heavy Draft
The Lithuanian Heavy Draught breed was developed in Russia towards the end of the 19th century. It is the outcome of the crossing of the Zhmud breed with Swedish and Finnish breeds. Although the breeding of Lithuanian Heavy Draughts began in 1894, the breed only became registered in 1963. By 1964 the breed had become very popular in Lithuania, with more than 62,000 registered individuals. These glory days are long gone, as the breed is nowadays almost extinct.
The Lithuanian Heavy Draught is a heavy draft horse breed. It has a large, well muscled and well boned body. The head is medium sized with a straight profile and the neck is well set, thick and strong. The back is long and slightly curved while the chest is deep and wide. The legs are short, strong and muscular and have very little feather. Lithuanian Heavy Draughts have very strong hindquarters and hooves. Overall, they have they have the appearance of a very robust animal. Standing between, 15 to 16 hands. The Lithuanian Heavy Draught usually comes in chestnut. Other common colors are black, bay and gray. The mane and tail are usually flaxen.
Međimurje horse
The beginning of the breed dates back to the end of the 18th or the beginning of the 19th century, when it was started to crossbreed native mares (having Anglo-Arabian characteristics) with imported stallions of Noriker, Ardennes, Percheron and Brabant breeds. Since Međimurje County then administratively belonged to Hungarian Zala County (during the most of 19th century, except between 1848 and 1861), international professional literature frequently quoted that the Međimurje horse descended from Hungary.
Once widely spread over parts of the Habsburg Monarchy – mostly in northern Croatia (besides Međimurje, there were significant populations in Zagorje, Podravina etc.), southwestern Hungary, eastern Slovenia and eastern Austria – the breed is endangered today, with a remaining small population of only around 40 individuals in its original area in Croatia, and a larger one on the north side of the Mura River in southwestern Hungary, as well as in eastern Slovenia.
The typical Međimurje horse ranges from 155 cm (15.1 h; 61 in) to 165 cm (16.1 h; 65 in) high. Stallions can weigh up to 900 kilograms (2,000 lb). Compared with two other cold-blooded Croatian breeds, it is significantly taller and heavier than the Posavac horse (140–150 cm high) and closer in size to the Croatian Coldblood horse (150–160 cm). It has a relatively small head and small ears, short and strong neck, pronounced withers and powerful shoulders, well-developed chest and sturdy legs. The dominant colours are bay and seal brown, followed by black, while the other ones are much more rare.
Murakoz horse
The Murakoz, Hungary's heavy draft horse, was developed as a breed at the beginning of the 20th century on the farms around the Mura River. The foundation stock was native Hungarian mares (known as Mir-Insulan) crossed with Ardennes, Percheron, Noriker and native Hungarian stallions. During World War II the breed's numbers were seriously depleted, and additional Ardennes blood was added.
The Murakoz was very popular with farmers, especially in the years between the two world wars.
Developed as a Draught horse the Murakoz came from the Mura region of Hungary, Poland and Yugoslavia. Originally in the eighteenth century there were two types, a heavier slower animal of about 15 to 16h.h. and a smaller type of about 14 to 15 h.h. These earlier types were not particularly attractive and they had poor legs and feet, so the authorities concentrated on breeding the Hungarian Heavy Draught until the 1960s. In the 1920 almost a fifth of the horses in Hungary were Murakoz, but the Second World War brought many losses and since then the breed has not regained its numbers. The breed was first developed by crossing native mares with other Heavy Horses such as Percheron, Belgian Ardennes, and Norikor stallions.
After the 1960s efforts were made to improve the breed by introducing Fjord, Hucul and Haflinger blood, this was largely successful and the breed is now more attractive and sound. It is an economical feeder, has an admirable temperament and is a good worker. It is usually chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail, though it is sometimes bay, brown, grey and occasionally black.
North Swedish Horse
Along with the Gotland Pony, the North Swedish is Sweden's only native breed of horse. It can be traced back in history as a Swedish or possibly Scandinavian native breed. As a result of varying conditions and circumstances in this lengthy country, the native breed figured in several local herds that have formed the basis for today's North Swedish horse. These herds contained individual horses of varying sizes. The native horses in the county Jämtland and Hälsingland were a little larger and heavier than other provincial horses.
The North Swedish working horse is a middle-sized coldblood. The average height of the stud book registered mare is circa 153cm, the stallion circa 157cm. There is significant variation in size, especially amongst mares. The head is of middling size with a straight profile and broad, well-muscled cheeks give the head a wedge-shaped appearance. The muscular neck is of average length. The back is long but well muscled. The shoulders are well placed and sloping - most appropriate for a draft horse, and the chest is most often broad. The legs are well proportioned, with broad joints and strong tendons. Tissue quality is excellent. Movement is energetic and rhythmic.
Acceptable colours are brown, blackish-brown, yellowish black, black, chestnut, buckskin, palomino, smoky and grey. In the latter case however only where descent is verifiable back to the Norwegian so-called "blue horses". Markings on the head and legs are acceptable.
Poitevin horse
South-western France is the home of this large but generally undistinguished horse. The Poitevin was imported into the region to drain the swamps and marshes found there, suited as such by its very large feet. However, the slow and lethargic disposition of this horse does not make it particularly useful as a work animal. In spite of its futility as a working horse, the Poitevin is an excellent breeder of mules. This horse was brought to the marshes of La Vendee and Poitou in the 17th century. Its ancestors are thought to be the heavy horses of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. The horses are bred mainly for the mares which are crossed to produce mules.
The mules produced by Poitevin mares are both famous and valuable throughout Europe. The best mares are crossed with the tall jackasses of the region, the Baudet Poitevin strain, to produce a very large mule. Poitevins which are not used for the breeding of mules, however, generally face a more dismal fate, that of the meat market.
This draft horse stands between 16.2 and 17 hands high with a coat that is usually dun, bay or brown. It has a heavy head with long, thick ears. The shoulder is straight, the hindquarter strong and sloping. The legs are massive with heavy feather and very large feet. The horse is known for being powerful, but unusually slow.
The Poitevin is found in a wide variety of colors, which are partly the result of the many breeds that influenced it. It is the only French draft horse that can be found in bay dun, a tan body color with black mane and tail and primitive markings. This color likely comes from the Spanish horses that influenced the Flemish horses that later contributed to the breeding of the Poitevin. The most popular colors are pure black and seal brown (the latter called black pangaré by the breed registry, although these horses are genetically brown, not black with pangaré markings), which came from the influence of Flemish and Friesian horses. The breed standard accepts all colors, except for pinto and leopard spotted, and it is common to see gray, bay and bay roan horses, the last probably being inherited from the Brabant breed. Chestnut and chestnut roan are also seen, both being a legacy of Breton crosses in the breed.
Shire horse
In 1878, the British organization now known as the Shire Horse Society was created, with the American Shire Horse Association beginning in 1885. The breed was exported from Britain to the United States in large numbers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but popularity fell as mechanisation increased, reaching a low point in the 1950s and 60s. Popularity began to increase again in the 1970s and after. However, population numbers are still considered to be at critical levels by both the UK-based Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the US-based American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
Though oxen were used for most farm work into the 18th century, horses 'fit for the dray, the plough, or the chariot' were on sale at Smithfield Market in London as early as 1145. The English Great Horse was valued during the reign of Henry VIII, when stallions measuring less than 'fifteen handfuls' could not be kept, but the increasing role of gunpowder brought an end to the use of heavy horses in battle. Oliver Cromwell's cavalry favoured lighter, faster mounts and the big horses began to be used for draught work instead. During the 16th century, Dutch engineers brought Friesian horses with them when they came to England to drain the fens, and it is probable that these horses had a significant influence on what became the Shire breed.
Shire stallions may be black, bay or grey. They may not be roan or have large amounts of white markings. Mares and geldings may be black, bay, grey or roan. In the UK stallions may not be chestnut, but the colour is allowed by the US registry. Stallions must stand at least 17 hands (68 inches, 173 cm) high when mature, and they average around 17.2 hands (70 inches, 178 cm). Geldings stand at least 16.2 hands (66 inches, 168 cm) high and mares at least 16 hands (64 inches, 163 cm). Their average weight ranges from 900 to 1,100 kilograms (2,000 to 2,400 lb) The head of a Shire is long and lean, with large eyes, set on a neck that is slightly arched and long in proportion to the body. The shoulder is deep and wide, the chest wide, the back muscular and short and the hindquarters long and wide. There is not to be too much feathering on the legs, and the hair is fine, straight and silky. Smaller Shires, under 17 hands (68 inches, 173 cm), are generally preferred for working horses, while taller horses, especially those over 18.2 hands (74 inches, 188 cm), are used for show and promotional purposes.
Soviet Heavy Draft
This breed was developed during the period from the '80s and the '90s of the last century up to 1952 when it was recognized as a new heavy Draft breed. The breeding zone was quite extensive, including Yaroslavl, Vladimir, Gorki, Penza, Ryazan, Tula, tambov, Voronezh and Orel regions and Mordovia. This was a zone with a developed industry and intensive agriculture, requiring strong and sufficiently fast horses of ample size. Success in the breeding of this type of horse was guaranteed by a stable supply of fodder.
Initially, native horses were improved by stallions of the Belgian Brabancon Draft breed. In 1885, three Brabancan stallions were recorded in stud use in the above zone; in 1895 they numbered 58, in 1905 - 394 and in 1945 - 891. The breed nucleus was initially at Khrenov stud and subsequently at Pochinkozsk stud. Mares of multibreed origin (Perchero-Ardennes-Suffolk-Danish and different varieties of saddle horse) were mated with Brabancon stallions for three to four generations and the progeny were bred inter se. At the same time grading up was taking place on a large scale and crossbred stallions were widely used.
Cobby type; Very strong frame: Average clean head; Straight profile; Short muscular and crested neck; Strong shoulders; Broad and deep chest; Long sloping croup; Short lightly feathered legs; Thick mane and tail. The selective breeding that created the Soviet Heavy Draft resulted in a massively-built horse with free-moving gaits. The breed generally stands around 15.1 hands high, and weighs 1,430 to 1,720 lb. They may be chestnut, bay, or roan.
The breed has a well-proportioned head with a straight or convex profile, although with a pronounced jaw. The neck is usually short and muscular, the chest wide and deep, the shoulders straight and powerful, the back wide and strong, the croup muscular and sloping, and a rounded abdomen. Their legs are short and sturdy with solid joints and hooves that are broad and rounded. They are prone to pigeon toes in their front legs and sickle hocks in the rear.
The breed tends to mature quickly, but is also less resistant to disease than some other heavy breeds.
Suffolk Punch
The Suffolk horse is the oldest breed of heavy horse in Great Britain. The breed dates from the sixteenth century but all animals alive today trace their male lines back to one stallion, a horse called Crisp’s Horse of Ufford, who was foaled in 1768.
These majestic horses helped shape our rural landscape and was vital to Britain's social history. As the UK industrialised and its population grew, the Suffolk Punch pulled the plough, cut the corn and carried the wheat to the mill to feed the towns. Strong, with a good temperament, a Suffolk Punch is a gentle giant, very good at working hard. They also look beautiful with their shining chesnut coat and solid stature. N.B - (Suffolk horse spelling of chestnut is without the 't')
Suffolk Punches generally stand 16.1 to 17.2 hands (65 to 70 inches, 165 to 178 cm), weigh 1,980 to 2,200 pounds (900 to 1,000 kg), and are always chestnut in colour. Horses of the breed come in many different shades of chestnut, ranging from dark to red to light. White markings are rare and generally limited to small areas on the face and lower legs. The Suffolk Punch tends to be shorter but more massively built than other British heavy draught breeds, such as the Clydesdale or the Shire, as a result of having been developed for agricultural work rather than road haulage. The breed has a powerful, arching neck; well-muscled, sloping shoulders; a short, wide back; and a muscular, broad croup. Legs are short and strong, with broad joints; sound, well-formed hooves; and little or no feathering on the fetlocks. The movement of the Suffolk Punch is said to be energetic, especially at the trot. The breed tends to mature early, be long-lived, and is economical to keep, needing less feed than other horses of similar type and size. They are hard workers, said to be willing to "pull a heavily laden wagon till [they] dropped."
Vladimir Heavy Draft
This breed was developed in Ivanovo and Vladimir regions on the basis of large native horses through crossbreeding with various draft breeds, such as the Percheron and the Suffolk, and later with the Clydesdale and, to a lesser extent, with the Shire. The latter was in wide use only from 1919 through 1929. The aim was a horse of medium draft power or less which would have rather high speed. In the formation of the breed, a particular role was played for more than a hundred years by Gavrilovo-Posad breeding station, previously a stud farm and a state breeding stable. Its experts invested no small effort in the creation of horses of uniform type in the region. In 1946 the new heavy draft breed was recognized.
The features of the conformation are: a long clean-cut head with the profile often arched; elongated and well-muscled neck; sufficiently pronounced and long withers; back somewhat long, a little dipped; short and broad loin; long moderately sloping croup; long legs, clean properly set. the chest is broad but not deep and the ribs are insufficiently sprung. The hair of the mane, tail and limbs is well developed. The Vladimir have excellent gaits. The predominant color is bay; brown and black are less frequent. There are characteristic markings on the head (a star or blaze) and legs. It stands between 15 and 16.1 hands (60 and 65 inches, 152 and 165 cm).
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