Intro
The Suffolk Punch is the oldest draft breed of Britain that still exists in their original conformational state today. The highest concentration of the breed can be found in their birthplace of East Anglia.
Origins
Dating back to the 16th century, the Suffolk is a very old breed. Unfortunately records were not well kept and their actual origins are a mystery still. Today the lineage of all members of the breed is traced back to one stallion born in 1768. Due to their relative physical isolation geographically, the Suffolk has developed independently. Changing only slightly to meet the needs of local people. Farmers who bred the animals used them daily, so they were rarely sold outside the area.
The Suffolk Punch Society was founded in 1877 and over the years been well received. Interestingly enough this breed has earned popularity in other parts of Europe as well as Pakistan where they are bred as army animals. According to the DAD-IS they are at risk and as of 2021 there were only 40 left.
Features
Average height 16.1 – 17.1 hands
Physique
Head is broad
Neck is thick, muscular and arched
Shoulders are well muscled & sloping
Back is short and wide
Legs are short and stocky with no feathering and appear a tad too short for their body
Hooves are well formed and sound
Traditional Colors
Always chesnut (chestnut) and there are 7 recognized shades.
Temperament
Kind and willing
Use
Agriculture
Transportation
Show horse
Helpful Links
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Suffolk Horse Society
North American Suffolk Horse Association
The Suffolk Punch Trust
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