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 The Russian Heavy Draft horse
is relatively young breed which started around the 1860s in Ukraine. The two
main centers of breeding were the State studs of Khrenov and Derkul where
local Ukraine mares were crossed with imported Ardennes stallions. After
these initial crosses, there were infusions of Belgian Heavy Draft,
Percheron, and Orlov blood, followed by interbreeding to create a distinct
type. The Orlov has been credited for the active and energetic stride of the
Russian Heavy Draft and also its rather refined head.
 Due to the influence of the
Ardennes blood until the 1920s, the Russian Heavy Draft was referred to as
the Russian Ardennes. The breed was greatly affected both by the First World
War and the Civil War and was virtually eliminated. After the wars, efforts
were made to re-establish the breed and in 1952, the Russian Heavy Draft was
registered as a breed. There are different types within the one breed which
range from the massive draft build to a lighter type which is suitable for
draft and ridden work.
 Although solid and powerful,
they are fairly small in height, averaging 14.2 to 14.3 hands. This has
increased their popularity because they are able to perform agricultural
chores, and yet are economical to feed and keep. They mature quickly and are
able to work by the age of two years. They have a long working life and a
high fertility rate. They have rather more presence and quality, probably
due to the Orlov blood, than many draft horses which makes them highly
attractive. They are known for their excellent temperament, their
extraordinary pulling power, and their fast gait at the walk and trot.
 In appearance, they are of
cobby type, and have a very strong frame, carrying themselves with presence.
The head is often quite classy for a draft horse, and is set to a muscular
and crested neck. The shoulders are strong, and the chest is brad and deep.
They can be quite long in the back, which can be a weakness, and have a
long, sloping croup. The legs are relatively short and the front pasterns
can be prone to ringbone, while the knee joints are sometimes set too far
back. The legs carry some feather. They are mostly chestnut, strawberry
roan, or bay in color.
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