Horse
Pronunciation:
Soe'-vee-yet Heh'-vee Draft
Breed Description:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse is a relatively modern draft breed, developed in Russia in the early 20th century to create a very large and powerful working horse. They may be chestnut, bay, or roan. The breed is very muscular and heavy-set in appearance, and is the most common working draft breed in Russia and former Soviet nations today.
The breed tends to mature quickly, but is also less resistant to disease than some other heavy breeds[3].
Temperament:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse, like most draft horses, has a quiet and amenable temperament.
Height:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse stands 15 to 15.2 hands.
Weight:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse weighs 1400 to 1700 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse tends to show pigeon toes in their front legs and sickle hocks in the rear, these conformations defects can lead to lower leg problems. The breed has been developed to mature very quickly, and individuals may develop musculo-skeletal problems as a result.
Living Conditions:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse is very hardy and can be kept outdoors in most climates.
Exercise:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse is a working breed and enjoys regular exercise, but can be kept for periods with minimal work.
Life Expectancy:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse lives into its mid twenties.
Grooming:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse should be kept with a natural appearance. It develops a thick winter coat and requires regular grooming.
Origin:
The Soviet Heavy Draft breed of horse was officially recognized in 1952, and was developed alongside other Soviet draft breeds such as the Estonian and Lithuanian Heavy Drafts. Its ancestry traces to crosses of native Russian draft mares with imported Belgian draft stallions made in the late 19th and early 20th century to develop a very powerful working farm horse with faster paces. By the 1930s there were several state studs working to develop and improve the breed. Today, the Soviet Heavy Draft is the most common heavy breed in Russia and the former Soviet nations, and it is used as an outcross to improve other heavy breeds. 