A draft horse is usually a large, muscular horse that breeders created for manual labor. The word draft means to draw out or pull a cart, which tells you the horse’s purpose. They are very strong, patient, and easygoing. If you want to purchase a draft horse for your farm and wonder which breed is best, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done our research and assembled a complete list of horses to get you started. We’ll show you a picture and tell you a little about each one so you can make an informed purchase.
The 11 Draft Horse Breeds Used for Work
1. American Cream Draft
Height: 18–19.5 hands (6–6.5 feet)
Weight: 1,500–2,200 pounds
The American Cream Draft is an excellent workhorse from the United States that is rare today. It gets its name from its unique gold champagne color. As technology improved in the farming industry during the mid-20th century, the demand for the breed dwindled, and today, its population numbers are quite low.
2. Ardennes
Height: 18–19.5 hands (6–6.5 feet)
Weight: 1,500–2,200 pounds
You can trace the Ardennes lineage back to Ancient Rome. One look at its muscular frame, and you’ll know why they kept the breed going all these years. It’s native to lands with thick forests, rolling hills, and ridges. Owners often used it as a military horse, but its extreme strength is invaluable on the farm.
3. Belgian Draft
Height: 16.5–19.5 hands (5.5–6.5 feet)
Weight: 1,800–2,200 pounds
The Belgian Draft originates from Belgium, and it is one of the strongest breeds. Owners usually keep this horse as a farmhand, which can be used to pull carts and plow. It’s the most popular draft horse in the United States and is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a powerful and versatile horse.
4. Clydesdale
Height: 18–21 hands (6–7 feet)
Weight: 1,900–2,700 pounds
The Clydesdale horse is a very large breed that often stands more than 6 feet tall. It’s easily recognizable by the mane that falls over the hooves. The breed has changed throughout history, and modern Clydesdale horses are not as large as their ancestors. Owners use them in parades, and many recognize them as the Budweiser horses.
5. Friesian
Height: 18–21 hands (6–7 feet)
Weight: 1,900–2,700 pounds
The Friesian comes from the Netherlands. It’s incredibly agile and graceful and has an attractive mane hanging over the hooves like the Clydesdale. It often carried knights wearing armor, and today, people use modern Friesian horses for riding and farm work.
6. Fjord
Height: 18–21 hands (6–7 feet)
Weight: 1,900–2,700 pounds
The Fjord draft horse is from Norway and has a distinctive appearance. It has a large, arched neck and a medium-sized head. Its mane is long and thick but usually trimmed to accent the neck.
7. Haflinger
Height: 13.5–15 hands (4.5–5 feet)
Weight: 800–1,300 pounds
The Haflinger is a horse from Austria and Northern Italy. It’s one of the smaller-sized draft horses on this list. Despite their small size, they have plenty of energy for work and are also popular for riding. They have a beautiful chestnut coat.
8. Irish Draft
Height: 15–18 hands (5–6 feet)
Weight: 1,300–1,400 pounds
The Irish Draft is a great all-around worker that is very sure on its feet. Its origins are said to date back to the 12th century. Owners primarily use this horse for showjumping. The Irish Draft gets most of its nutrients through grazing, so it’s popular among ranchers in the south, where the fields grow year-round.
9. Percheron
Height: 15–18 hands (5–6 feet)
Weight: 1,600–2,300 pounds
The Percheron is a French draft horse that is usually colored gray or black and may exhibit several patterns. It has large eyes, small ears, and a broad forehead. It’s one of the most common draft horses in the United States, where you will find 75% of its population. It’s also still quite popular in France, where people use Percherons for work and food.
10. Shire
Height: 16–19 hands (5.3–6.3 feet)
Weight: 1,800–2,500 pounds
The Shire horse is a large breed with a black, bay, or gray coat. Owners commonly used this horse to pull delivery vehicles. Modern uses include plowing and riding. Unfortunately, Shires are becoming rare.
11. Suffolk Punch
Height: 15–18 hands (5–6 feet)
Weight: 1,975–2,425 pounds
The Suffolk Punch is a chestnut-colored English horse with plenty of energy and strength to perform various tasks on the farm. It was popular in the early twentieth century, but its numbers are steadily declining, and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy lists it as critical.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have enjoyed reading over these various breeds and found a few you want to add to your farm. We recommend the Belgian or Percheron. Both species are strong enough to do any work you have in mind for them and popular enough that you can find one that is relatively inexpensive. The other breeds may be more challenging to find and expensive to purchase, but they are quite attractive, and worth the cost if they have a specific trait you need.
If we have helped you find some answers, please share this list of 11 draft horses commonly used for work with your friends!
Featured Image Credit: Alla-Berlezova, Shutterstock
