Power Behind the Draft
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article
It is quite possible that the United States of America would not have been able to build the strong industry is has today without the help of the draft horse. These horses have aided this country through the Industrial Revolution, World War I, and even play a vital role today. Known as an icon of strength and power, draft horses are the “gentle giants” of the equine species.
A “draft” horse is any horse capable of pulling heavy loads, and that is exactly what these horses do best. The draft horse can vary in size and weight. The height of a draft horse ranges from sixteen to eighteen hands high, and weighs between sixteen hundred and two thousand pounds. Considering other horses typically do not stand higher than fifteen or sixteen hands high, the draft horse seems to tower over other horses when standing side by side.
The massive size of a draft horse may be considered intimidating to those unfamiliar with this type of horse, or to those who are accustomed to smaller horses, but the draft horse has a calm, friendly and willing temperament. Once the initial shock of the draft horse's size wears off, however, most horse lovers find this animal to be a very gentle family horse. These excellent qualities coupled with a strong muscular build make the draft a welcomed companion in the field.
The draft horse has a history heavy in war, agriculture and industrialism. It is believed that the Ice Age forced groups of horses into sections that were divided by glaciers. Each section developed traits necessary for their survival. It was at this time that the draft horse began to develop.
Hundreds of years later the draft horse was domesticated by man. These horses were heavily relied up on during the Medieval period (500-1000 A.D.) for their strength and endurance. Medieval knights rode these horses though tough terrain during times of war. Their size, speed and good temperament made then faithful companions on the battlefield. It was also during the Medieval period that the infamous “Black Horse of Flanders” appeared in Europe . This horse is believed to be the “father” of all modern draft horses.
Though the Medieval period proved a successful time for the draft horse, it was the Industrial Revolution that heightened the demand for a reliable workhorse. As the needs of industry changed, from changes in transportation to agriculture, the demand for heavy draft horses grew. By the late 1800's draft horse breeding was necessary and profitable in the marketplace.
The development of more advanced agricultural tools resulted in the need for a strong workhorse. The oxen previously used in the field cost less to feed, but could not match the speed of a heavy horse, and could not keep up with the advances in agricultural equipment. The amount of work that could be performed by a combination of the heavy horse and advanced equipment was twice that of previous production. This resulted in a massive agricultural boom and a rise in the demand for good solid draft horses to work in the fields.
It was not until the early 1900's, when advances in the automotive industry and tractor power were introduced, that the need for draft horses were replaced by more automatic forms of equipment. This development, coupled with the loss of many horses in World War I, and continued advances in equipment automation, lead to the slow but steady decline in the need for the heavy draft horse in industry.
Though there are several different breeds of draft horses, the Belgian, the Percheron and the Clydesdale are a few of the most prominent draft horses in the United States :
The Belgian
The Belgian has the largest population of all the draft breeds in the United States . This horse originated in Belgium and is known in America today as the heaviest draft horse with a strong build, strong legs and gentle temperament. These horses are heavily muscled and are popular among farmers and in pulling competitions. The Belgian can range from fourteen hundred to eighteen hundred pounds and can stand seventeen hands high at maturity.
The Pecheron
The Le Perche province in France is where this versatile draft originated. The Percheron is usually gray or black with a white mane and tale, and is known for its good-natured temperament. The Percheron was the first draft breed to be imported into the United States (in 1839), and out populated the Belgian until 1937.
The Clydesdale
The Clydesdale, known to most for its fame in Budweiser advertising, is a native of Scotland . This draft breed was first imported to the United States in 1850 and was firmly established in this country by the late 1800's. The Clydesdale is a good equestrian competitor and can be found in a variety of equestrian events. The beauty of this breed, including its rich coloring and the bold “feathers” surrounding its hooves, make this horse an instant attraction among the American public.
Today the draft horse enjoys popularity in several pleasure events throughout the United States . Though still sometimes used as a reliable workhorse, the draft can often be found at state fairs and in pulling competitions. The draft is also a well-known recreational horse and can be found pulling carriages and participating in other activities in several tourist-driven cities throughout the country.
The versatility of the draft horse can be seen through its extensive history as a reliable war, work and pleasure horse. Though the popularity of the draft has risen and fallen throughout the centuries, it is still adored today as a faithful companion. The sheer power of these massive, yet gentle, animals continue to make the draft a favorite among horse lovers in the United States and beyond.
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