Lithuanian Heavy Draft

The Lithuanian is of the meso-brachymorphic type, and derives from the local Zhmud horse from Lithuania (of the former Soviet Union). Contributions have been made from the Finnish horse and the Swedish Ardennes, its formation as a breed beginning at the end of the 19th Century. This breed has only been controlled and registered since 1963, and selection is carried out be means of practical tests, to which all stallions who are destined for breeding must be submitted to.

The Lithuanian Heavy Draft is similar in origins and build to the Latvian Harness Horse. These two breeds have and attractive action whether at the walk or trot. They both play a very important role in the agricultural economy of their respective regions. The Lithuanian has a quiet temperament and is well suited for heavy draft and farm work.

It stands 15 to 16 hands high, and may be chestnut, bay, black, grey or roan in color. It has a well-proportioned head with a rather heavy jaw. The profile of the head is straight, and it has a full forelock and large ears. Its neck is quite short, muscular, and arched and has a full mane. The withers are broad and moderately pronounced. Its back is straight, its croup rounded, and the full and long tail is well set-on. The short, muscular and solid legs have broad joints, long cannons and broad, well-formed hooves.

For more information on the Lithianian Heavy Draft, visit:


© Copyright 1997-2002 NorthWest Breyer Horse Club.
Published June 1997 North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)

Animated horse-drawn wagon © 1997-2007 NW Breyer Horse Club
& Refiner of Gold Creations

Equinealities in place since 1997,
Section in place 2001,
Updated 3/13/2007
mailcat Home
   Enter city or US Zip
Mule Team