The Sugarbush Draft Horse has an interesting story to tell, as against all odds the colorful breed has persisted throughout the years.
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Starting its life when US Calvary members disbanded the glorious spotted herds of the Nez Perce. These animals were crossed with draft animals, their progeny dispersed as plow and work horses. They were useful and tough, so their breeding persisted up until the early 20th century when draft breeds worldwide succumbed to the mechanization of agriculture. <\/p>\n
As their use declined on farms, draft animals were often picked up for use pulling tourists and wedding carriages. One of the carriage companies that adopted this practice was run by a man named Everett Smith. Mr. Smith decided that a more colorful animal might make his business stand out, so he looked to the newly developed Appaloosa breed<\/a> for inspiration. Many of the animals he found displayed draft characteristics and suited his purpose perfectly. <\/p>\n This actually did inspire Smith to begin his own breeding program by crossing quality Percheron<\/a> animals with appaloosas that displayed his desired traits. His breeding was strict and specific, choosing animals based on certain characteristics. <\/p>\n In the 1960’s a man named Michael Muir began to breed a similar cross called the Stonewall Sport Horse, his goal was a colorful draft harness type. The two joined forces and by 1982, Smith finally felt as though he had achieved his breeding goals, the foundation of Sugarbush Draft horses. They managed to survive the advent of the 20th century, simply by being comfortable enough to ride as well as strong enough for draft work. <\/p>\n Although they have survived this far, their numbers are sadly very small today. <\/p>\n Average height 15.2-17 hands<\/p>\n Head has a straight or slightly convex profile All solid colors<\/a> can be registered but Leopard complex<\/a> spotting and characteristics are preferred. Pinto white patterns<\/a> and dominant white<\/a> cannot be registered.<\/p>\n Willing Attitude and strong work ethic<\/p>\n Riding horse * all links open in a new window<\/small>Features<\/h3>\n
Physique<\/h3>\n
\nEyes are large and well set, any color
\nEars are large and fine, larger on mares
\nNeck is medium and arched
\nShoulder is moderately sloped and wide
\nChest is deep and wide
\nBody is wide and deep with shorter topline
\nHindquarters are level and oval
\nLegs are clean with little feathering
\nHooves are large and balanced<\/p>\nTraditional Colors<\/h3>\n
Temperament<\/h3>\n
Use<\/h3>\n
\nDraft
\nTransportation<\/p>\nHelpful Links<\/h3>\n
\nThe American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft Association<\/a><\/p>\nVideo<\/h3>\n