Draft (Draught) Horses – The Belgian
History
As the name implies. this breed originated in Belgium. Back in the medieval times, the center of Western Europe became well-known for the large black horses known as “Flemish”. These are the horses which carried the heavily armored knights into battle. By necessity, only the largest and strongest of this …
Draft (Draught) Horses – Percherons
History
Although the exact origins of the Percheron have been lost over the years, there are several different beliefs about their roots. There are those who believe that this large draft horse is descended from the original horses of the Ice Age. Still others think that it’s closely related to the Boulonnais …
Draft (Draught) Horses – The Clydesdale
History
This heavy draft horse traces its roots to the early 19th century in the Lanarkshire (formerly Clydesdale) district of Scotland. There was a strong need for this large horse not only in the agricultural area but in the commerce area as well. The horses were used in the coalfields of …
Draft (Draught) Horses – The American Cream
History
This breed is the only draft breed to originate in the United States. The granddam of the line was a draft mare (Old Granny) who was the first registered American Cream. She was purchased at an auction in Iowa in 1911. Her foaling date was estimated between 1900 and …
Draft (Draught) Horses – Friesians and Gypsy Cobs
Friesians
Brief History
This draft breed is rooted in Friesland, Northwestern Europe, which is now a part of the Netherlands. The original stock was descended from the order of Equus robustus (the big horse). In the 16th and 17th centuries, Andalusian lineage was introduced to the bloodline in …