Draft horses have earned widespread acclaim for their robustness, stamina, and gentle disposition. These horses originated from demanding climates. Draft horse owners employed them for arduous manual labor tasks, such as plowing and hauling heavy loads. Despite their impressive muscularity and strength, most draft horses possess a docile temperament and exude a sense of tranquility. Breeders developed various breeds of draft horses, each specimen with its own unique qualities and characteristics. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most popular draft horse breeds. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.
Most Popular Draft Horse Breeds
The Shire horse stands out as the largest breed among draft horses, originally hailing from regions in England such as Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Hertfordshire. Initially deployed as war horses, they later found purpose in hauling heavy loads and supporting agricultural endeavors. Shires have a range of coat colors, including brown, bay, black, gray, and occasionally chestnut, though white spots or marks are considered undesirable in the breed. These magnificent creatures typically measure between 16.2 to 19 hands high and weigh a substantial 1,800 to 2,500 pounds. They boast muscular bodies, elegantly arched necks, distinctive Roman noses, and eye-catching feathering on their legs.
Percherons, one of the oldest draft horse breeds, trace their origins back to France, specifically the province of Le Perche. Initially serving as war horses, they later transitioned to become reliable partners in agricultural endeavors. The exact ancestry of Percherons is somewhat mysterious. However, experts believe that they bred from a combination of Flemish and Barb horses, with a possible influence of Arabian horses. Displaying distinct French draft horse features, Percherons possess a broad forehead, small ears, and large, expressive eyes. They typically stand between 15 to 19 hands high and weigh an impressive 1,600 to 2,300 pounds.
