Dutch Draft Horse

Dutch Draft Horses are a breed of draft horse that originated in the Netherlands.

They are well-known for their heavy muscling and calm dispositions.

If you’re thinking about adding a Dutch Draft Horse to your stable, or just want to learn more about these rare animals, here is everything you need to know.

Dutch Draft Horse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Dutch Draft horse:

Dutch Draft Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

After WWI, powerful draft horses from the Dutch province of Zeeland were crossed with Belgian Ardennes and Belgian Draft horses to create the first Dutch Drafts.

These horses quickly gained widespread acceptance as reliable workers helping farmers in their daily duties on Holland’s vast arable fields, where the terrain varies from hard clay to sand.

Following the end of World War II, tractors and other machines began to replace the working animals on farms, and as a result, the need for draft horses quickly decreased.

However, the breed is not regarded to be in danger of extinction.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

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Temperament/Personality

Quiet, docile, obedient, undemanding

Physical Characteristics

Massively built horse with well-defined withers, and strong quarters, and loins.

The legs are muscular, with strong and firm hooves.

There is heavy feathering on the legs.

Colors

Most commonly bay and gray, even though black is also seen

Height (size)

15.2 – 16.0 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

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Weight

1,540 – 1,655 lbs (700 – 750 kg)

Blood Type

Cold

Common Uses

Farm work, general riding, pulling carts and carriages in parades

Health

n/a

Popular Traits

Unhurried movements

Feeding/Diet

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Country of Origin

The Netherlands

Ancestors

Zeeland horses, Belgian Ardennes, Belgian Draft