Before the era of familiar farm equipment brands like John Deere, Kubota, and New Holland, small and large farms alike were more accustomed to a distinct set of names. Belgian, Percheron, Clydesdale, and Friesan may evoke a sense of nostalgia or familiarity in some. But for many modern homesteaders, these traditional names have become relics of the past, as mechanized power has largely replaced manual labor. This is not to say that there aren’t compelling reasons to revive this ancient practice.
In fact, incorporating draft horses into your homesteading routine can bring numerous benefits. Here’s a look at some of the top breeds suitable for small-scale farming, as well as the key advantages of adopting this timeless skill.
Why You Need a Draft Horse for the Homestead
The allure of draft horses extends far beyond their nostalgic appeal. Despite a significant decline in numbers following World War II – only around 2,000 registered draft horses remained by the 1970s – these powerful creatures have experienced a resurgence in popularity. Today, small farms are rediscovering the benefits of incorporating draft horses into their operations. One of the most appealing aspects of draft horses is their versatility.
Not only can they be used for heavy labor, such as tilling and plowing, but many breeds are also suitable for riding. In fact, draft horses are often found in show rings, competing in disciplines like dressage, halter, conformation, and hunter/jumper classes. Their size and strength make them well-suited to pulling carts, logs, and even tractors stuck in mud.
While the iconic Clydesdales are often associated with draft horses – reaching an impressive 18 hands tall – there are also smaller breeds like Norwegian Fjords that pack a surprising amount of power despite their compact stature. Draft horses offer several advantages over heavy machinery. Their weight distribution is more even, allowing them to work efficiently and with minimal long-term impact on the land.
Additionally, they are more agile than equipment, enabling farmers to access hard-to-reach or muddy areas without getting stuck. For some, draft horses can also serve as a lucrative additional income stream. By offering agritourism experiences featuring these gentle giants, small farms can attract new visitors and establish an educational edge.
Beyond their practical applications, draft horses have a unique ability to build confidence in young riders due to their laid-back nature and quick learning capacity.
The Top 10 Breeds to Consider
American Cream
The American Cream draft horse has its roots in Iowa dating back to the early 1900s. While not a behemoth among draft horses nor its smaller counterparts, this breed excels with its striking cream coat and warm amber-colored eyes, characteristics that reflect its purpose-bred nature for farm work. Interestingly, over 30 breeders dedicate themselves to preserving this cherished breed, with their efforts registered through the breed association.
Despite its gentle and industrious demeanor, sadly, the American Cream has been designated as critically threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
Belgian
Belgian draft horses have their roots in Belgium, where they gained popularity after an American breed association was established in 1887. The breed’s fame surged during World War I as they proved themselves to be valuable assets on farms and battlefields alike. Characterized by their chestnut coats and white manes and tails, these gentle giants can reach heights of up to 17 hands and tip the scales at a remarkable one ton.
While they are known for being easy to train and maintain, Belgian draft horses do require regular shoeing to keep them in top condition.
Clydesdale
While many people recognize the iconic Clydesdale breed thanks to Anheuser-Busch’s successful marketing campaign, these gentle giants have a rich history that transcends their association with beer. Originating from Scotland, Clydesdales are one of the most recognizable breeds, characterized by their striking bay coats and distinctive white feathering. However, they can also be found in a range of colors including brown, black, roan, and chestnut.
Percheron
Hailing from La Perche, just southeast of Normandy, France, the majestic Percheron draft horse has left an indelible mark on the American equine landscape. One of the earliest draft horse breeds to set foot in the United States, it was the most sought-after breed until the Belgian draft horse gained popularity during World War I. With their imposing stature, Percherons typically boast a sleek black or dapple gray coat, although other colors are not uncommon.
Today, these gentle giants continue to find purpose among loggers and farmers across the United States.
Irish Draught
Originally bred as dual-purpose horses, Irish Draughts have a rich history of participating in weekend hunts and farm work during the week. As one of the most popular show animals, this medium-sized draft horse has garnered widespread acclaim. Although their primary focus is often on cross-breeding with warmbloods to create exceptional sporting horses, their slender size makes them an attractive option for farm use.
Shire
While Shire horses may be the largest breed of draft horse, their impressive stature is only part of what makes them so captivating. Standing up to 19 hands tall, these majestic creatures originated in England and made their way to the United States during the mid-1800s. With their distinctive black coat featuring striking white markings, Shire horses are a popular sight on farms and show arenas alike.
But it’s not just their size or impressive feathered manes that make them stand out – they also possess a wonderful temperament that draws attention wherever they go. When used to pull wagons, these magnificent animals become a beautiful tourist attraction, captivating all who see them.
Suffolk Punch
The Suffolk Punch, a draft horse renowned for its impressive pulling power, owes much of its might to its sturdy physique. With roots dating back to its introduction from Great Britain in the late 19th century, this critically endangered breed is surprisingly sustained by over 60 dedicated breeders across the country, working tirelessly to ensure its survival.
Brabants
While technically Belgian, not all Belgian draft horses are Brabants. In fact, the Brabant is a specific breed known for its thick body and distinctive heavy leg feathering. Originating in Europe after World War II, this sturdy horse is less common than some other breeds but still thrives as a reliable workhorse around the homestead.
Friesians
The Friesian horse, originating from the Netherlands, is a light draft horse renowned for its elegance, agility, and versatility. Its striking black coat, high-stepping gait, and flowing mane and feathers make it an attractive addition to any homestead. While we’re focusing on the traditional Friesian breed here, its close relative, the Friesian Sporthorse, is also capable of performing under saddle and harness, as well as exceling in dressage competitions.
In fact, these horses are particularly skilled at hauling carts and providing a leisurely driving experience.
Haflingers
Haflingers, with their striking beauty, are a breed of horses that thrive on being ridden. Their gentle nature makes them an ideal companion for riders, as they are eager to please and quick to learn. These horses are often featured in show competitions, showcasing their agility and endurance capabilities through events like jumping, far work, and other performance-based disciplines.
In terms of physical characteristics, Haflingers typically stand at around 15 hands tall, with a manageable weight of approximately 1,000 pounds – a size that sets them apart as one of the smaller draft horse breeds.
How to Get Started With Draft Horses
When it comes to caring for draft horses, it’s essential to recognize their unique medical requirements. While they may not be as demanding as other equine companions, draft horses still need careful attention to thrive. Start by ensuring that their stalls are spacious enough, doors wide enough, and ceilings tall enough to accommodate their larger stature.
Like all horses, draft horses require a balanced diet of feed and clean water, as well as regular veterinary care to prevent potential health issues. A comprehensive wellness program should include vaccinations, worming, and lameness monitoring initiatives. What sets draft horses apart is their caloric requirement – they need at least 10,000 calories per day for every 1,000 pounds of body fat, making them more reliant on fat as a energy source.
This necessitates supplementing their typical hay and grain diet with an additional pound of fat daily. Another crucial aspect of draft horse care is foot maintenance, due to their large size and plate-like hooves that require special attention. Early training for shoeing is also essential to prevent issues later in life.
Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of breed-specific medical conditions, such as Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy, which can affect muscle fiber atrophy if left untreated. Fortunately, this condition can be managed through dietary adjustments. Ultimately, caring for a draft horse is about being attentive to their individual needs and abilities.
Tips for Working with Draft Horses
Before investing in a draft horse, it’s essential to define the tasks that need to be accomplished and consider what breed or size would best suit those needs. Training is crucial, and working with an experienced teamster can provide valuable insight into the ins and outs of handling these animals. As you begin, exercise caution, especially when working with young or inexperienced teams, as this can help prevent injuries on rocky or steep terrain.
Over time, the bond between you and your horses will grow stronger as they learn to trust and work with you. However, it’s equally important to prioritize their care, monitoring for signs of illness or injury daily and providing a well-fitting harness and well-maintained equipment. Additionally, be aware of potential breed-specific health issues and take steps to mitigate them.
In hot summer months, draft horses can struggle to regulate their body temperature due to their muscular build, so ensure you have shaded areas available for them to cool off and avoid working them in extreme heat.
Buying Your First Draft Horse Team
Before taking the plunge and purchasing or working with draft horses, ensure you’ve gained sufficient knowledge about these magnificent creatures. Once you’re proficient in handling them, you can start searching for the perfect breed that aligns with your agricultural or business goals. When selecting a horse, inspect their hooves thoroughly to assess their overall health. This crucial step will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.
While buying a draft horse at auction might seem like a great deal, be wary of potential drugs used to calm the animal’s temperament. Instead, consider the long-term benefits of investing in a well-trained team with an experienced teamster. Registered draft horses typically come with a higher price tag, often exceeding $5,000. As a novice to draft horse work, buying an older team can be a more practical and stress-free option, as you’ll only need to focus on learning the ropes.
One notable drawback of using draft horses is that they require regular feeding – a cost not typically associated with traditional equipment like tractors or skidders.
