Schleswig Heavy Draft Horses

The Schleswig looks like a cross between a heavy horse and a large cob. It has a lively temperament and energetic movement, and is a willing, hard worker. The Schleswig is mainly used as a heavy draft horse on farms in Germany. Initially a rather ponderous heavy breed, the Schleswig Heavy Draft has been lightened and bred for more activity and now has a definite cob like appearance. It has an interesting history and retains its popularity as a farm horse in Europe. Schleswig Heavy Draft Horses stand about 15 to 16 hands high.




Posted by Joanna and Becca.   

Italian heavy Draft

The Italian Heavy Draft is a distinctive breed with a friendly, calm nature and lively but docile temperament, although some individuals are notably highly strung. It is a smallish energetic, and quite fast draft horse, fairly hardy and easy to care for. The Italians have never had much inclination to breed massive, phlegmatic horses, so even when they produced their own heavy draft type, they went for a smallish animal with a lively action and bright temperament. Italian Heavy Draft horses stand about 16 hands high.

Percheron horses

The Percheron is noted for its equable temperament, its intelligence, ease of handling, and willingness to work.
It is an elegant type of heavy horse due to the constant infusions of Oriental type blood over the centuries. It is energetic and active, with a long low, free stride showing little knee action. Although undoubtedly now a heavy
breed, it definitely shows its lighter and particularly its Oriental ancestry in its carriage, the set of the head and facial expression, and the lack of feather on the lower legs. Like any heavy breed, it is resistant to most weather conditions and, for its size, dose not need excessive amounts of food to keep it in good condition. However, it dose have relatively fine skin, and its coat is quite fine and satiny, even in winter, which is unusual
in a heavy horse and may denote a certain lack of hardiness in extremes of weather, yet Percheron horses have been exported all over the world and have always appeared to adapt well to their new climate. Percherons are still used as working horses in agriculture and haulage in France and other countries, and in shows and competitions. Their good temperament and energy make them popular workhorses.


posted by Joanna  
 

Dutch Draft horses

dutch draft horses stand about 17 hands high.
The dutch draft is certainly one of the heaviest breeds for its height, in the world. For massive strength and moving heavy loads, it is an excellent choice, and it is still a popular workhorse, particularity with breweries. The dutch draft is a docile,willing horse; despite being truly massive, it is surprisingly active in its gaits. It can start work young and works on into its twenties. It is particularly known for its excellent fertility, toughness, strength and intelligence.


posted by Joanna