Dutch Heavy Draft
The Dutch Heavy Draft Horse, also simply known as the Dutch Draft, is a "cold-blooded" horse which comes from the Netherlands.
History
The Dutch Heavy Draft is a relatively new breed of horse which developed in Holland after 1918. They developed from cross-breeding between the Brabant, Zeeland-type Dutch mares and the Belgian Aredennais, and still bear a resemblance to the Brabant.
Traditionally, the Dutch Draft was used for agricultural purposes throughout Holland, especially to plow heavy clay soils which tired many other breeds out. Before mechanisation, they were popular agriculural horses throughout Gelderland, North Brabant and Limburg due to their great strength and willing temperament.
Characteristics
The Dutch Heavy Draft is massive and is the heaviest of the Dutch horse breeds. They are generally intelligent, good 'doers', and economical to keep. Surprinsingly for their size, the are very active and tend to have a long working life. They are of a massive build, although the head should not be too coarse. They have a short neck, often set on to heavy, well=muscled shoulders, with a wide and strong back. The quarters are muscular and powerful, with a sloping croup and a low-set tail. They stand at about 16.3 hands high and are generally chestnut, bay or gray.
References
- The Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies (Tasmin Pickeral)
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
