Draft Horse Breeds still Popular?

The word “draft” originally comes from “draught,” an old word that means “to pull something.”  From early times the draft horse was used as a source of “power” for farming, hauling freight and moving people around the country.    Before the shift in the early 20th century to the tractor and increasing use of motor transport these stunning horses were to be found everywhere.  The draft horse is well known as a hose of  enormous bulk, huge  muscular strength, patience and docility . . . and even though we lost a great number to the point in some cases of near extinction, due to the efforts of some very dedicated people the draft Horse was saved, we are still building up the numbers of these horses and in line with that they have over the lst few years enjoyed a renewed interest in this particular type of horse.

With this renewed interest we are seeing them back on the streets where they belong,  and to many to actually see them under saddle is appealing to a whole new generation of horses lovers.  We have a long way to go before we even come close to the numbers but the encouraging news is that the numbers are growing worldwide.

Most draft horse breeds are bred for the region in which they were developed. For example, the Clydesdale draft horse breed came to being in Clydesdale, the Irish Draught in Ireland and the Belgian was born in Belgium where it was more suited to the climate and soil. The French draft horse breed is known as the Percheron, while the ever popular Shires hail from England.

To be considered a true draft horse, they must be of a solid build usually weigh around 1,400 to 2,000 lb (910 kg).  And depending on if they are classed as a Modern Draft or Traditional Draft  range from approximately 16 hands high to 19hh.  The draft horse has decended from a mixture  of sources and also with some natural selections and man’s intervention into what we see today.

The Great Yorkshire Show

History

The first show of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) was held in 1838 with the intention of exhibiting farm animals, machinery etc. The show was judged a success despite the requirement for the police to restore order after people tried to force their way in the show which was held in Fulford on the outskirts of York.

In following years the show was moved around Yorkshire returning only periodically to York, it took on the name Great Yorkshire Show in 1843. This peripatetic existence continued until 1950 when the costs of moving the show around every year became prohibitive. In that year the YAS purchased a permanent site at Harrogate and the first show at the new Great Yorkshire Showground was held in 1951.

The show has only rarely not been held, it was canceled between 1915 and 1919 due to WW1, between 1940 and 1948 due to WW2 and in 2001 due to Foot and Mouth. The show has now become very popular attracting well over 100,000 visitors each year.

Modern Times

The Great Yorkshire Show of recent times is very different from the early shows, with many stalls devoted to food, leisure, clothes, fashion and crafts as well as farm implements, in the main arena the working displays of Shires and Clydesdales always attracts a crowd and I belive this year will be no diffferent.

The show is held every July across 3 days and one of the first events which I do hope will show off the coaching skills of the heavies [and no doubt there will be the lighter horses] in the main ring on Tuesday 3.30 to 5.00.  I do hope that the Heavy Horses will steal the day.  On Wednesday it starts at 7.30am to 11.00am in the main ring, where you will see the magnificent Clydesdale and Shires who no doubt will be looking their very best.   In the past we have also been privileged to see the ladies mounted on hunters [ a cross of the heavy and the lighter horse]  And in addition as we now have occassionally the ridden class of the heavies you may be surprised to see the Shire or Clydesdale in this event.

Continuing on in the afternoon you may see some heavies in the coaching event, but the main event in my opinion will be on Thursday from 1.00 pm to 2.40 which is The Heavy Horse Teams, where you will see these gentle giants really showing off there skills, anything from logging competiton to wagon and team work will be on show it will be worth the look.

Last year the attendance at the 150th show was attended by the Queen was oustanding and this year will continue on the tradition.  Opening times are 7.30am and 7.30pm except the last day when the show closes at 4.00pm, parking is free and there is lots of transport from York, Leeds and other towns with shuttle buses from Harrogate rail and bus stations.

Draft Horse Breeds

Healthy Horse Feeding

Most adult horses need three to four flakes of hay a day when they are stabled and moderately used and exercised. A flake of hay is a section of a square bale that weighs about four pounds. This hay should be provided in three or four smaller meals per day so the horse has something to munch on throughout the day, more like natural grazing. Fresh water should be supplied at every feeding throughout the day and the water needs to be freely available at all times. The best hay for horses is first or second cut hay that is a mixture of alfalfa and timothy and is sold as horse quality. Avoid third and fourth cut hay if at all possible as it has a much lower nutritional value. Hay that has a moldy smell or appearance or that is dusty should not be fed to horses under any conditions. Improperly cured hay or moldy, dirty hay can lead to fatal conditions in horses.

Cubed and pelleted hay is available through feed stores, however it is not recommended for horses. It tends to cause colic and digestive problems as horses gulp it down then drink, causing swelling in the stomach. Likewise, grains can also cause the same problem, so talk to your vet or horse nutritionalist before starting any specialized feeding that includes more than the recommended daily ration of oats, sweetfeed or other grain supplement.

In addition to hay, some grain and lots of fresh water your horse should have turn out time on grass when available and should also have access to a mineral salt block. In some areas the vet may recommend additional mineral or vitamin supplements to make up for deficiencies in grass and hay content. Always check with your vet first, too much of a particular mineral can cause toxicity problems and various health reactions in horses.

Clydesdales