Origin
Great Britain
History
The Suffolk is the oldest breed of heavy horse in Great Britain existing today in its original state. The breed dates to at leat the 16th century, but precise information as to its ancestry has been lost.
The Suffolk Punch belongs firmly to the East Anglian county from which it takes its name. Developed specifically to meet local conditions, the Suffolk is exceptionally strong and clean-legged so it could easily work the heavy clay of its native East Anglia. Its strength also meant that it was much in demand for heavy work in cities and towns. At fairs in Suffolk, this strength was tested by hitching a horse to a fallen tree. Even if the horse did not move the tree, provided that it got down on to its knees it was considered to have passed the test. This pulling posture became typical of the Suffolk breed.
Every Suffolk traces its descent to a single stallion, Thomas Crisp´s Horse of Ufford, studbook number 404, which was foaled in 1768.
Volume 1 of the Suffolk Stud Book is a classic among live stock books. The author, Herman Bidell, the Suffolk Horse Society´s first secretary, which was formed in 1877, compiled it over a period of nearly 2 years. Published in 1880, it is a wonderfully comprehensive work, containing a history of breed and farming practice within the county.
Suffolks were exported to Europe during the 19th century to upgrade the native breeds. It has also been exported to the US, Australia and to Pakistan, where it has been crossed to produce both army remounts and mules.
Description
- Head:
the forehead is notably broad; the ears are alert and relatively small for a heavy breed - Conformation:
-strongly crested neck
-muscular forearms, good bone, and minimal feather characterize the breed
-tractive power is helped by low-set-shoulders
-the girth can measure up to 80 in (2.03 m)-the big body is set on short, stout legs of very great strength
-huge, rounded and powerfully muscled quarters
-the hind legs must be close together
-the hocks are set low and well spaced - Average height:
16.1 to 17.1 h.h. - Colour:
all Suffolks are chestnut. The Suffolk Horse Society recognizes seven shades, ranging from a pale, almost oatmeal colour to a dark, almost brown shade. The most usual is a bright, reddis colour. - Temperament:
this intelligent horse has an exceptionally good nature - Today:
the Suffolk can be seen at the Royal Show, the Essex, Suffolk, East of England, and Royal Norfolk shows, and many smaller shows throughout the summer. The Woodbridge Horse Show is the principial stallion show, and the Framlingham Show provides the best display of mares and foals.
