THIS IS WHAT 4-H IS ALL ABOUT!  LEARNING, FUN, EXPERIENCE, MEMORIES!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS OF BRINGING YOUTH AND DRAFT ANIMALS TOGETHER!

FACTS ABOUT DRAFT ANIMALS:

              The Draft Horses are the largest of the horse breeds!

Draft Horses were developed for heavy labor. They were often used for pulling loads, like farm equipment or carriages. But they were also used as war horses to carry heavily armored knights into battle.

The Draft Horse is known as a Heavy Horse and is also described as cold-blooded. These horses can weigh 1600 pounds to over 1 ton and stand about 15.2 to 20 hands high from the ground to their withers. (One 'hand' equals 4 inches.) 

The Draft horse is tall in stature, heavy boned, and extremely muscular. They have a shorter back and strong hindquarters. Many of heavy horses have long hair called 'feathering' on their lower legs, and it sometimes covers their hooves. Many also have a head profile that is either straight or one that is convex, giving them the "Roman nose" appearance
 
Draft horses have shoulders that tend to be more upright than other horse breeds, making their conformation and movement well suited for pulling carriages or hauling heavy loads. Sturdy pony breeds are also more heavily bodied. They have also been used as work animals or as draft horses, pulling loads and carts, but they are much smaller than the heavy horse. 

The term cold-blooded refers to the quiet, calm disposition of these big horses, which contrasts with the more high-strung nature of the hot-blooded, light horse breeds. Draft horses are good natured, have a natural curiosity and will readily train. They make wonderful companion horses and equestrian mounts. 

The names of Draft Horse, Draught Horse, and Dray Horse describe these horses by what they were developed for, pulling a heavy load. The term 'draft' is defined as the act of pulling loads or something that is pulled or drawn. However, it can actually apply to any animal that is used to pull or draw loads, such as dogs, oxen and other farm animals, as well as other smaller horses. "Dray" is a similar term, derived from the Anglo-Saxon term for to haul or to draw.

The heavier draft horse was developed from the bulkier type of equine found in the northern hemisphere. These hardy horses evolved to survive in a colder harsher climate and are much heavier and broader than the light horses. The breeds in this horse class are referred to as cold blooded, in reference to their quiet and calm temperament. They are heavy in the body, strong legged, and often have "feathers", or long hair, covering their large hooves. 

As early as the roman times, Europeans used these huge types of horses for heavy labor. They were used for pulling heavy loads in cities as well as for farm work. In the middle ages, their great strength and stamina made them a popular war horse, being easily able to carry a heavily armored knight into battle. They range in size from approximately 15.2 to 20 hands high and are slower but more powerful than the light horse.

Horse Breeds Draft Horse Breeds Found in North America:

Clydesdale, Belgian, Percheron, Suffolk, Punch, Shire, American Cream, Spotted French Mulassier and Fijord.