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Jutland Draft |
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Jutland Draft |
Although the ancient origins of this breed are unclear, the Romans would almost certainly recognized it as the steed used by Vikings. Bred on the Jutland Peninsula from time immemorial, this heavy horse of Denmark was noted in the 12th Century for its sturdy build, which was capable of carrying an armored knight and endure the hardships of battle campaigns. During the Middle Ages, the Jutland was used for jousting tournaments, which indicates its strong constitution capable of sustaining the weight of the knight's armor. It has benefited from contributions from the Suffolk Punch and Cleveland Bay during the 19th Century, and more recently, from the Ardennais.
The Jutland is a horse of the brachymorphic type and bears a marked resemblance to the Schleswig, whose origins are probably similar. The Suffolk stallion Oppenheim LXII, who was imported into Denmark in 1860, has influenced both of these breeds. It seems that the Jutland has been largely responsible for the German Schleswig, with infusions from the Danish blood made well into the 20th Century. In the development of the modern Jutland, there were at some point crossings with Cleveland Bays and the Yorkshire Coach Horse. But due to the overwhelming influence of Oppenheim LXII, the Jutland carries more of the Suffolk features. Today, the most important blood line is that of Oldrup Munkedal, one of Oppenheim LXII's many descendants.
This strong and willing draft breed is well suited to heavy draft and farm work. Its temperament is docile but energetic. The Jutland is of national importance in Denmark. This tireless, willing horse is hardy, easily kept and tractable in the extreme. This extreme endurance and exceptionally tractable nature makes it desirable for both draft and agricultural work. Unfortunately, the Jutland has declined in numbers in recent years due to mechanization. However, presenting a pleasing and attractive appearance in draft, the Jutland is always popular at show and in the city streets. Some are still seen working the land.
The Jutland stands 15 to 16.1 hands high and weighs 1,430 to 1,760 pounds. The attractive dark chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail is the breed color, which is clearly derived from the Suffolk. Coat colors may be chestnut, which is more common, or bay, grey or roan (exceptions to the general rule). White markings frequently occur. Its well-proportioned head has no pretentions to graceful refinement, but the profile is slightly convex, and it has small eyes and erect ears. The head is somewhat reminiscent of its far-off primitive ancestor, the Forests Horse. It does have a kindly expression which reflects the breed's docile and willing temperament. Other than its head, the Jutland's conformation more closely resembles that of the Suffolk. There is no apparent impression that the Cleveland Bay was ever introduced into the breed.
The short, thick neck is muscular and arched, and the shoulder is strong, quite straight and heavily muscled. The withers are low and wide, and relatively flat, which is not unusual for European coldbloods. It has a wide, deep chest, which even for a draft is exceptionally broad. The Jutland's rolypoly body reveals its connection to the Suffolk Punch. This is further distinguished by an exceptional depth through its girth. A compact appearance is given to the body by the shortness and width of the powerful back. The short and strong back is often hollow, and the loins are wide and muscular, the croup full and slightly sloping. The Jutland's quarters are appealingly round, and are massive and very muscular.
Its short legs are well-muscled and fairly strong. Some animals can be criticized for their joints as being insufficiently hard and strong. There is feathering on the legs and the feet are large. Its hooves are generally good, even though they were not the best feature of the old Suffolks, and they are still far from exemplary in today's German Schleswig. Except for the feathering of the legs, the Jutland has the massive, rounded outline of the Suffolk when viewed from the rear. This feathering gives rise to complaints in this heavy horse, notably of grease heels and scratches. The action of the Jutland is quick and free, even though it is a medium-sized drafter.
For more information on the Jutland draft, visit:
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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