Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse

The Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse belongs to a breed which was fashioned in Lithuania during the 19th and 20th centuries. They are chiefly used for heavy draft and farm work. They are also significant for the industry of meat production and the improvement of other breeds. This horse breed is huge and solid. This tough built helps them to do well in harsh and severe climates. These horses are apparently resistant to the cold.

History of Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse

The Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse has its origin in Russia towards the end of the 19th century. This breed became immensely popular and there were 62,000 Lithuanian Heavy Draft horses in Lithuania by 1964. These horses speak both of their requirement and their productiveness. This Heavy Draft horse came into existence by combining the local Zhmud horses and Swedish Ardennes and the Finnish horse. The cross-breeding of these horses created the Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse. Budding stallions have to pass a chain of performance tests before being acceptable to be used as breeding stock.

Physique of Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse

The Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse is a massive and handsome horse with a medium-sized, fine head. The neck is short and crested and its shoulders and hindquarters are massive. Its body is long, deep and dense with a pronounced dip in the back. This heavy draft horse has a sloping and bifurcated croup. The legs are short and of dense bone with very little feather. This horse has a tendency to sickle hocks.

Height of Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse

The Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse attains the height of 15-15.3 hands high.

Body Color of Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse

The coat on the body of the Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse is usually chestnut in color. The other colors on its body can also be black, bay, roan or gray. It is often with flaxen mane and tail.

Temperament of Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse

As far as the temperament of the Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse is concerned, it is placid to the point of indolence and is also a good worker.

Uses of Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse

The Lithuanian heavy draft horse has an exceptional quiet temperament and is tremendously strong and sturdy. These qualities make these horses appropriate for heavy draft and agricultural work.

The Lithuanian Heavy Draft horse is the result of nearly a century of selective breeding. The breeding was done with the aim of performance of progeny of the smaller, more active Zhmud horse of Lithuania with Swedish Ardennes imports. The new breed, a consistently effective Draft horse, was first registered in 1963. Proceeding towards the closing of the account on this heavy draft horse, it can be said without a doubt that these horses have a high rate of fertility and are blessed with a very long life. Their high rate of fertility has ensured the maintenance of the breed. This horse breed is at present very close to extinction. Sincere steps are needed to save it.