Soviet Heavy Draft

The Soviet Heavy Draft was developed in the Soviet Union between the end of the 19th Century and the first decades of the 20th Century, and became firmly established in the 1940s. Originally it was formed by crossing the native mares with imported Belgian stallions, and possibly Percheron stallions. Even though it has a massive build, its gait is sure and easy, both in work and in the trot. This brachymorphic-type horse is the most commonly found horse of its type in the former Soviet Union. It has been used to improve other heavy breeds, both in the state-run farms and in the agricultural cooperatives, which are known as "kolkhozes."

This hardy and strong drafter stands about 15.1 hands high at the withers and weighs 1,430 to 1,720 pounds. Its coat color is usually chestnut, bay, or roan. The well-proportioned head has pronounced jaws. The profile of its head is straight or slightly convex, with a full forelock. The ears are well-proportioned and pointed and the eyes gentle. Its short, muscular neck has a full mane, and the withers are low and broad. It has wide and strong back and loins, and a muscular, sloping croup. The tail is long and thick. It has a deep, wide chest, straight and powerful shoulder, and rounded abdomen. Its sturdy legs have solid joints, and the forearm is short, as are the legs. The hooves are broad and rounded.

The Soviet Heavy Draft has a quiet but energetic temperament. It is nationally important to Russia for heavy draft and farm work.

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Published June 1997 North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)
© 1997-2019 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 1/27/2019
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