The Lithuanian Heavy Draft is a rare horse breed that was once used for plowing large fields and drawing heavy loads.
They are known for their strength, hardiness, and good disposition.
If you’re interested in owning one of these horses, here’s what you need to know.
Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse:
| Height (size) | 15.0 – 16.0 hands high |
| Colors | Black, bay, chestnut, gray, roan |
| Country of Origin | Lithuania |
| Common Uses | Draft and farm work, meat production, improvement of other breeds |
Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse was created in the late 1800s as a mix between indigenous Zhmud mares and imported heavy breeds like the Brabant, Percheron and Ardennes.
The Lithuanian Society for Breeding Work and Driving Horses was established in 1894 to oversee this breeding effort.
In comparison to the imported horses, the crosses had a far higher vitality, matured more quickly, and acclimated far better to the local environment.
These draft horses were initially listed as Ardennes crossbreds in the registration records.
Their population drastically decreased after the First World War.
However, in 1923 and 1925, additional heavy horses from the Netherlands and Sweden were brought in to re-establish Lithuanian Heavy Drafts.
In 1951, however, the Lithuanian Heavy Draft herd book was published.
In 1964, there were around 62,000 Lithuanian Heavy Drafts in Lithuania.
Unfortunately, the breed population has been quickly declining as a result of deteriorated breeding circumstances and a decrease in the number of stallions.
In 2003, there were less than 1,000 horses.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Calm and willing
Physical Characteristics
The head is well-proportioned, with a heavy jaw.
The neck is muscular, short and arched.
The withers are broad, and the chest is deep and also broad.
The back is long and straight.
The croup is well-built and rounded.
The legs are solid and short with well-formed hooves.
This is an extremely strong and hardy breed.
Colors
Black, bay, chestnut, gray, roan
Height (size)
15.0 – 16.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
1,900 – 2,000 lbs (850 – 900 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Draft and farm work, meat production, improvement of other breeds
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Particularly good walking and trotting gait, otherwise unusual in a heavy draft breeds
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Lithuania
Ancestors
Local Zhmud mares, Brabant, Percheron and Swedish Ardennes