- Dutch Draft - |
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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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