Breed Profile: The Suffolk Punch

While many modern draught horse breeds date back to the fearsome medieval war horses of ancient times, the peace-loving farmers of Norfolk and Suffolk counties in eastern England were quietly developing their own breed of heavy horse. To be able to plow the heavy clay soil on their farms, they needed a powerful, healthy, docile horse with stamina. Their answer was the Suffolk Punch.

The Suffolk is one of the oldest draught breeds in existence, with records dating back to 1880. They list Crisp’s Horse of Ufford, foaled in 1768, as the foundation stallion of the breed.

Here in North America, the Suffolk Punch enjoyed great popularity during the 1930’s, but its numbers declined drastically after World War II when machines took over farming duties. The breed made a comeback in the 1960’s as draught horses became more popular again. Suffolks are large and solidly built. The average height is 16.1 hands, but many stallions reach 17 hands or more. The legs of the Suffolk appear short, due to the “draughtiness” of their bodies, and are strongly muscled and of dense bone. They do not possess the long hair “feathers” of some other draught breeds.

Their feet are large and extremely tough, whether shod or barefoot. Their intelligent heads, powerful arching necks and thick bodies attest to their strength and temperament, which is easygoing and willing. The only colour allowed by the breed registry is chestnut, ranging in shade from light golden to dark liver. White markings are fairly uncommon.

Today, the Suffolk Punch continues to plow and pull and drag, both on the farm and at agricultural fairs and matches, just as they were bred to do.

For more information about the Suffolk Punch, visit: American Suffolk Horse Association www.suffolkpunch.com