The Vladimir Heavy Draft is a Russian breed of draft horse that was originally developed in the late 1800s.
They are known for their muscular build and calm temperament, and are often used as work horses in heavy agricultural duties.
If you’re thinking of adding a Vladimir Heavy Draft Horse to your farm, here’s everything you need to know about this hardworking breed!
Vladimir Heavy Draft Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Vladimir Heavy Draft:
| Height (size) | 15.0 – 16.1 hands high |
| Colors | Even though all solid colors are allowed, they are most commonly bay, but blacks and chestnuts are also seen. The legs often have white markings. |
| Country of Origin | Russia |
| Common Uses | Draft work, meat production, pulling Vladimir troika sleighs |
Vladimir Heavy Draft Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Vladimir Heavy Draft is a heavy draft horse breed from Russia developed because the Russian Empire did not have any native breeds of horses suitable for heavy draft work.
Initial breeding started at the beginning of the 20th century at a stud farm in Gavrilov Posad in Ivanovo Oblast.
The imported foundation stock was mostly British and included the Shire, and the Suffolk Punch in addition to some Ardennes and Percheron, even though the most influential were three Clydesdale stallions foaled between 1910 and 1923.
Between 1919 and 1929, there was some use of Shire mares.
In the 1920s, there was a gradual reduction in the quantity of cross-breeding, and over the course of the next twenty years, the breed’s temperament and appearance were established.
In 1946, it was determined that the Vladimir Heavy Draft was breeding true to its type to the extent that it could be considered a genuine breed.
In the same year, the Vladimir received official recognition, and today it is a common breed.
The Vladimir Heavy Draft is also featured on Russian post stamps.
The Vladimir was developed about the same time as the Russian Heavy Draft in Ukraine.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Docile nature
Physical Characteristics
The head is large and long, with a straight profile or a Roman nose (convex profile).
The neck is muscular and long and set in strong shoulders.
The withers are quite pronounced, and the chest is developed and very broad.
The back, although wide, can be weak.
The croup is long and sloped, and hindquarters are muscular.
The legs are strong, and usually short with feathering, and the hooves are strong.
The Vladimir is a quick-maturing, medium-power draught horse with energetic and active gaits.
Colors
Even though all solid colors are allowed, they are most commonly bay, but blacks and chestnuts are also seen.
The legs often have white markings.
Height (size)
15.0 – 16.1 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
1,500 – 1,675 lbs (680 – 760 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Draft work, meat production, pulling Vladimir troika sleighs
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Russia
Ancestors
Suffolk Punch, Clydesdale, Shire, Ardennes, Percheron