Origin
Former Soviet Union
History
The development of the Soviet Heavy Draft breed started in western Russia between 1880 and 1890. Native mares were crossed with imported Percheron and Belgian Brabancon stallions. Then the progeny was interbreeding. This resulted in a heavy draft horse of massive build, but with surprisingly free movement at the walk and trot.
The breed was officially recognized in 1952.
Today the leading breeding centers for the Soviet Heavy Draft are Pochinkovsk in Gorki Region and the Mordovian Stud Farm.
Description
- Head:
average in size and clean-cut - Conformation:
-neck, average in length, often quite short, and heavily muscled
-shoulders, straight
-chest, broad and deep
-low withers
-back, long, often slightly dipped
-croup, broad, drooping, furrowed and heavily muscled
-legs, very strong and sturdy with good, solid joints
-hooves, broad and rounded. - Average height:
15.2 to 15.3 h.h. - Colour:
chestnut, brown and bay - Temperament:
gentle, willing and easy to handle - Today:
the breed is mainly used as a good producer of milk. They are frequently used in the improvement of other heavy breeds.
