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.
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.