thumb|A draft horse is generally a large, heavy horse suitable for farm labor, like this [[Shire horse.]]

A draft horse (US) or draught horse (UK), also known as dray horse, carthorse, work horse or heavy horse, is a large horse bred to pull heavy loads and work agricultural tasks such as plowing. There are a number of breeds, with varying characteristics, but all share common traits of strength, patience, and a docile temperament. While indispensable to generations of pre-industrial farmers, draft horses today are used for many purposes, such as driving, logging, and farming, as well as recreation and showing. Draft horses have been crossed with light riding breeds, such as the Thoroughbred, to create sport horse and warmblood breeds.

Characteristics

thumb|Comparison of a typical-sized carriage horse (top) to a heavy draft horse (bottom)

Draft horses are recognizable by their extremely muscular build. They tend to have broad, short backs with powerful hindquarters. In general, they are taller and tend to have heavier bone and a more upright shoulder than riding horses, producing conformation that is well suited for pulling. Many draft breeds have heavier hair, called feathering on their lower legs. Draft breeds range from approximately high and from . Draft horses are much larger than riding horses, and have a more muscular build than coach horses, which were large and strong enough to pull large driving vehicles.

Background and history

Humans domesticated horses and used them to perform a variety of duties, including hauling heavy loads, plowing fields, and other tasks that required pulling ability. A heavy, calm, patient, and 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.

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 were also horses of more phlegmatic temperaments used for pulling military wagons or performing ordinary farm work, which 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.

thumb|upright|Draft horses plowing

By the 19th century, horses weighing more than 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. The advent of railroads actually increased demand for working horses, as materials and products of a growing economy still needed to be transported to and from the goods yard or rail stations.

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, Brabants from Belgium, Shires from England, and Clydesdales from Scotland—and breed registries were established in the US for the imported breeds. The Percheron, with 40,000 broodmares registered as of 1915, was America's most numerous draft breed at the turn of the 20th century. Historically, draft horses were shod with horseshoes that were significantly wider and heavier than those for other types of horses, custom-made, often with caulkins.

The draft horse's metabolism is a bit slower than lighter horse breeds, more akin to that of ponies, requiring less feed per pound of body weight. This is possibly due to their calmer nature. Nonetheless, because of their sheer size, most require a significant amount of feed per day. Generally, a supplement to balance nutrients is preferred over a large quantity of grain. They consume hay or other forage from 1.5% to 3% of their body weight per day, depending on work level. They also can drink up to of water a day. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and risk of laminitis can be a concern.

World records

thumb|[[Brooklyn Supreme]]

The largest horse in recorded history was probably a Shire born in 1846 named Sampson (renamed Mammoth). He stood high, and his peak weight was estimated at . Brooklyn Supreme (1928–1948) was a Belgian draft horse, high and weighed . At over , a Shire gelding named Goliath (1977–2001) was the Guinness Book of World Records record holder for the world's tallest living horse (until his death). Big Jake (2001–2021), an American Belgian standing , held the record for tallest living horse from 2010 until his death in 2021. As of 2024, there is no living record holder.

Draft breeds

The following breeds of horse are considered draft breeds:

  • American Belgian Draft
  • American Cream Draft
  • Ardennais
  • Auxois
  • Belgian Draught/Brabant
  • Boulonnais
  • Breton
  • Clydesdale
  • Comtois
  • Dølehest
  • Dutch Draft
  • Estonian Draft
  • Finnhorse
  • Fjord
  • Freiberger (Franches-Montagnes)
  • Friesian
  • Haflinger
  • Irish Draught
  • Italian Heavy Draft
  • Jutland
  • Latvian
  • Lithuanian Heavy Draught
  • Malopolski
  • Međimurje (Murakoz)
  • Noriker
  • North Swedish Horse
  • Novoolexandrian Draught
  • Percheron
  • Pfalz-Ardenner
  • Rhenish German Coldblood (Rhineland Heavy Draught)
  • Russian Heavy Draft
  • Schleswig Coldblood
  • Shire
  • Sokolski
  • South German Coldblood
  • Soviet Heavy Draft
  • Suffolk Punch
  • Swedish Ardennes
  • Trait du Maine (extinct)
  • Trait du Nord
  • Vladimir Heavy Draft

See also

  • Driving (horse)
  • Heavy warmblood

References

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