Horse Breeds

Estonian Draft

March 2, 2022

255

Here we can see, “Estonian Draft”

The Estonian Draft was created primarily for agricultural purposes in Estonia (then part of the USSR or the Soviet Union). This breed, sometimes known as the Estonian Arden, is in high demand, unlike most other draught horses, despite its small present number. About 40 Russian farms currently breed these horses, with roughly twelve prominent breeders.

The Estonian Arden was developed by carefully breeding Estonian Native Horse mares with Sweden’s heavy horse breed Ardennes, which were more significant than the Estonian Native Horse. The new draught breed was given the name Eston-Arden due to this mating.

The breed was created to produce a horse that was not only massive and sturdy but also easy to care for, had a consistent temperament, and could travel swiftly.

The animals chosen for breeding reasons had to be thin (but not enormously built), have a good size and proportions, and have a good metabolism. They also have to be willing to work hard and calm their demeanor. Their descendants were eventually crossed to keep the desirable genetic traits.

The outcome was a success, and the new horse developed proved to be a capable workhorse with a powerful and broad physique, outstanding endurance, and a consistent disposition.

The breed’s studbook was founded in 1921, and the country’s government formally recognized the breed in 1953. Due to solid demand, breeders began crossing these horses with other strains, and by 2004, just eight purebred brooding Estonian Drafts survived, with only 14 purebred foals born from this stock.

However, the number of registered animals is increasing, and as of January 1, 2009, there were 233 registered animals, including 6 breeding stallions and 84 brood mares. The Estonian Horse Breeders’ Society is currently preserving the Estonian Draft. The Estonian government has designated the breed as endangered.

Table of Contents

User Questions

What is the life expectancy of the Estonian Draft?

30 years

What is the size of an Estonian Draft?

HEIGHT

60 – 61 inches

WEIGHT

1300 – 1700 pounds

What are the colors of the Estonian Draft?

Bay
Chestnut

Also See: Jinzhou

What is the most potent draught horse breed?

Belgian horses are exceptionally muscular and powerful, despite not being the biggest or stoutest breed on this list. The Belgian draught horse is the world’s most powerful horse. The Belgian Draft measures up to 18 hands tall and weighs an astonishing 2000 pounds, making it taller than many of the world’s most vital horses.

Do you know how to ride a Belgian draught horse?

Belgians can be ridden, and some are excellent trail horses; they have a calm temperament and are eager workers, which are two crucial characteristics in a desirable ride. Belgians and other draught breeds are commonly utilized in commercial trail riding operations.

Is it possible for a draught horse to jump?

While draught horses are not built for jumping, they can often leap modest courses without becoming dangerous if adequately trained.

Is it possible for draught horses to like being ridden?

While many draught horse owners still utilize their heavy horses for similar work and competition, interest in riding the “gentle giants” is growing. Teresa Stull of the Percheron Horse Association of America in Fredericktown, Ohio, replied, “Yes, you can ride your draught horse(s).”

Also See: Friesian

Is it possible for a draught horse to run?

Yes, since draughts can still walk, trotting, cantering and galloping despite their size and mass.

Is it true that draught horses are quick?

Despite their size and weight, these horses are exceptionally swift and athletic, weighing roughly 1870 pounds and standing 15.1-16.1 hands tall.

What is the cost of a draught horse?

At the top of the market, Horses can fetch prices comparable to luxury automobiles. Some Clydesdales sell for as little as $1000, while the majority sell for $2500 to $5000. Prices are affected by bloodlines, quality, size, age, color and markings, and level of training.

I’m not sure what to feed my draught horse.

Mature draught horses, like other breeds, should be fed a minimum of 1.5 percent of their body weight in forage per day, with a total intake of 1.5 percent to 3% of their body weight per day. Horses can usually get by on good-quality grass hay or grass-legume blends, as well as other pasture grasses during the growing season.