Russian Heavy Draft Horse

Russian Heavy Draft Horse

The Russian Heavy Draft horse has the unique trait of maturing at an early age. In addition, these horses have a long life expectancy. Thus, it can be used by studs till more than twenty years of age, as they are extremely fertile. These horses are a very good choice for agricultural work. They are also economical for many reasons. As far as care and feeding are concerned, they have healthy constitutions and are by and large a tough breed.

History of Russian Heavy Draft Horse

In the year 1952, the Russian Heavy Draft Horse was officially registered. The cross-breeding of Russian mares with draft and warmblood horses gave birth to this new heavy draft horse breed. The horse breeds that were used for producing the Russian Heavy Draft Horse included Percheron, Orlov Trotter, and the (Belgian) Ardennes breeds. These horse breeds were introduced in the mid-1880s. The records of breed and information are maintained by the All-Russian Institute of Horse Breeding (VNIIK)

The physique of Russian Heavy Draft Horse

This horse breed is the smallest of the heavy draft breeds. The body is dense and compact. It has a medium, small, and alert head with bright, kind eyes. The ears are pricked. It has a massive neck and front and flat withers. The depth of its girth is good. Its barrel is hard and round. It has a broad back with a pronounced dip. The croup is sloping and the hindquarters are strong. Its legs are short with little feathers and hard hooves.

Height of Russian Heavy Draft Horse

On average, the height of the Russian Heavy Draft Horse is found between 14.2-15 hands high.

Body Color of Russian Heavy Draft Horse

Mostly, the Russian Heavy Draft Horse is seen in solid colors. These colors are generally chestnut, roan, or bay.

The Temperament of Russian Heavy Draft Horse

The Russian Heavy Draft Horse has a very pleasant nature. It is a sweet-tempered and lively horse.

Uses of Russian Heavy Draft Horse

The agricultural stock has been improved with the help of the Russian Heavy Draft Horse. This horse breed has an excellent capacity to produce milk. This milk is fermented and is called ‘kumys’ in Russia. This horse breed has the power to haul huge loads and works fast and nicely. It is employed on collective farms throughout a big part of Western Russia.

The Russian Heavy Draft Horse has light, free, and quick action. This small, attractive horse is another Russian development in the last hundred years. It was achieved by crossing Swedish Ardennes, Percherons, and Orlov Trotters onto indigenous cart mares of the Ukraine breed. This is a strong and agreeable breed that possesses a good disposition and innate tolerance to the cold climate and rough conditions of their countryside. To describe the Russian Heavy Draft Horse in very few words, it can be undoubtedly said that it is a willing, plodding, and muscular horse.

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