As a horse lover, you may be interested in the American Cream Draft horse breed.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about this unique breed, from their history to their personality traits.
Keep reading to learn more!
American Cream Draft Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the American Cream Draft horse:
Height (size) | 15.0 – 16.3 hand high |
Colors | The manes and tails are typically white (they are never docked). They have a gold coat. The American Cream Draft is never cremello or white. |
Country of Origin | The United States (Iowa) |
Common Uses | As a harness horse, for hitching, driving, riding, and working the land on small farms. |
American Cream Draft Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
Even though there are only a little more than 500 members of this breed, the population of this breed is at a record high at this point in time.
People who are passionate about draft horses are learning about this docile and beautiful breed, which is not only used for driving but also for pleasure and competitive riding.
The American Cream Draft Horse is the only American-bred draft horse.
The history of this uncommon breed can be traced back to the early 1900s and a mare known as Old Granny.
This draft-bred mare had a cream-colored coat, pink skin, and amber eyes—three distinguishing characteristics that are attributed to the Champagne gene.
Because she was able to pass her beautiful coloring to her offspring, she became the breed’s foundation dam.
Afterwards, cream draft horses gained popularity in the areas around Melbourne, Iowa in the 1930s.
Clarence T. Rierson, a horse breeder, got intrigued by the strain and purchased every mare sired by the Silver Lace stallion he could find.
He did extensive study on the history of each cream horse and meticulously documented their pedigrees.
The American Cream Draft Horse Association was founded in 1944 with 20 members and 75 foundation horses, and Rierson was the founder of the organization.
41 members of the group registered over 200 horses by the time Rierson died in 1957.
On the other hand, just as the American Cream breed was starting to become well-known, the market for draft horses completely collapsed.
The widespread use of agricultural machinery resulted in the vast majority of workhorses being sent to slaughter.
The breeding of draft animals had almost come to an end.
Except for the transfer of one horse over the course of fourteen years, the American Cream Horse Association remained inactive.
Fortunately, a small number of Cream horse owners hung on to their animals, ensuring the breed’s existence.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the association reorganized and launched a determined attempt to rescue the breed from extinction utilizing the horses that were left.
The tireless efforts of these breeders were ultimately successful in preventing the extinction of the American Cream Draft Horse.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Quiet and calm, with a willing temperament.
Physical Characteristics
American Cream Drafts are considered a medium heavy-draft.
They have a refined head with small ears and a short coupled body, with well-muscled hindquarters, wide-set large, intelligent eyes, and small expressive ears.
The chest is wide, back is short, and legs are strong.
The American Cream Draft horse is adaptable to most climates.
It is a tough horse that was originally from the Midwest, and as a result, it is not likely to be too disturbed by the cold weather and snow.
Colors
The skin is pink, the manes and tails are typically white (they are never docked), and the eyes are a color that falls between amber and hazel.
Even though the gold coat with white mane and tail looks like palomino, the champagne gene is what gives the American Cream Draft its distinctive coloring and markings.
The American Cream Draft is never cremello or white.
Even if both parents are American Cream Drafts, there is no assurance that the foals will have a cream coat, since this only happens in roughly 75% of the foals.
Height (size)
15.0 – 16.3 hand high
Stallions
16 – 16.3 hands high
Mares
15.0 – 16.0 hands high
Weight
1,500 – 1,800 lb (680 – 820 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
As a harness horse, for hitching, driving, riding, and working the land on small farms.
Health
The fatal genetic disease Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa may be a cause for worry in American Cream Drafts (JEB).
Animals affected by this ailment suffer from a variety of issues, including the loss of significant sections of skin.
They are euthanized as foals. Fortunately, genetic testing may be used to guarantee that both parents do not carry the JEB gene before breeding.
Popular Traits
Cream or “gold champagne” coat color.
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
The United States (Iowa)
Ancestors
Belgian, Percheron, Suffolk Punch, Haflinger