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This is a relatively young
breed which was developed in Holland after 1918. The Dutch Draft is massive
and is the heaviest of the Dutch Horses. They developed from crossbreeding
between the Brabant, Zeeland-type Dutch mares and the Belgian Ardennais, and
still bear a resemblance to the Brabant.
Traditionally, the Dutch
Draft was used for agricultural purposes throughout Holland, especially on
heavy clay soils which tire many breeds out. Before mechanization, they were
popular agricultural horses through Gelderland, North Brabant, and Limburg,
because of their phenomenal strength and willing temperament. They are
generally intelligent, good "doers', and economical to keep, Surprisingly
for their size, they are very active and tend to have a long working life.
They are of a massive build,
although the head should not be to coarse. They have a short neck, often set
on to loaded shoulders, with a wide and strong back. The quarters are
muscular and powerful, with a sloping croup and a low=set tail. They stand
at about 16.3 hh, and are generally chestnut, bay, or gray.
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