Articles on Horses | Topics: horses, horse, equestrian
by Quinta Davis
Draft horses are most often considered the workhorse, which by definition means: a horse adapted for drawing heavy loads. Workhorses can also be referred to as dray horse or draught horse. The workhorse is not necessarily breed specific, the term can be used for any breed of horse that is physically suited to or used to draw heavy loads, but there is a great difference between the workhorse and the show horse. First let's discuss the workhorse specifics.
The Draft horse had originated in Europe, where the horse's domestication preceded the invasion of the Romans. Other popular breeds considered as work horses include the Shire, Percheron, Belgian and the Clydesdale. All of these horses are extremely large and known for their endurance, strength and their good disposition.
One of the largest breeds of draft horses is the Belgian horse. This breed has a long history and is of pure European descent, foregoing the Christian era, and becoming most popular during the Middle Ages. This breed was exported from Belgium and into many European countries between the 15th and 16th centuries and became well known as a working horse. In the 1800's the Belgian horse was imported into the United States, but was slow to gain favor because of its cumbersome appearance. The Belgian horse is characterized by the barrel-like, burly appearance and their brute strength. The coat is normally chestnut or sorrel in color, stands about 17 hands or 68 inches and weighs in at over 2,000 pounds.
The Clydesdale horse was developed in Scotland. Although this breed closely resembles the Shire horse, it's not quite as heavy and is characterized by its springy, graceful step. This breed became very popular because of their good disposition and was especially favored by tradesmen who used this breed to transport commercial goods. The Clydesdale is still kept today by horse enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of the beast. The coat is normally a rich brown or bay color with white markings on the face and legs that have a lavish feathering around the fetlocks. Averaging a height of roughly 16 hands or 64 inches and weighs in at around 1,800 pounds.
The Percheron horse is another breed of draft horse that was developed in North Western France, with a Flemish origin, yet containing some Arabian horse blood. For such a heavy horse, the Percheron has a considerable amount of stamina and is a very good trotter. This breed was used in the Middle Age by armored knights and later on used for general freight labor. This breed was once considered the most popular draft horse in America and is most famous for its beauty. The coats are normally gray or black in color and stand just over 16 hands in height or 64 inches, and weighing in at least 2,000 pounds.
The Shire horse is a large powerful draft horse that very closely resembles the Clydesdale in size, weight and height. Originating from central England and having long lustrous hair that grows from knee to hock.
Workhorses are popular animals all over the world. However, many horse lovers prefer the show horse. These horses have different characteristics than the average workhorse. There is a breed standard for show horses, which strives to produce the best athletic horse that retains a size and beauty of refinement. To be more specific, the most desirable traits of a show horse would be:
1. Motion: The horse must be balanced and show visible power from the hind quarters that flow into an elevated front end. The front legs should show both extension and flexibility.
| Historical Quote |
I have just read your dispatch about sore tongued and fatiegued [sic] horses. Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the battle of Antietem that fatigue anything?
| —Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) |
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2. Neck: The neck of a show horse is set high on the shoulder and very long. The neck should also be upright with a fine throat-latch and be shapely without a pronounced crest.
3. Head: This should be relatively short and small with large eyes and small ears. The horse's facial profile should be straight or just slightly concave.
4. Withers: The withers should be pronounced and have a very deep and laid back shoulder.
5. Proportionate: The back should be coupled with a long hip and a level top line.
6. Legs: All legs should be correct from all angels.
7. Bone structure: Should be refined, most especially in the girth, chest, shoulders and hips.
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