Suffolk Punch Horse

Suffolk Punch Horse is the most valuable and one of the oldest heavy breeds of horses on the globe. The breed began to extend beyond Suffolk region in the early part of the past century. The Suffolk Punch is one of the purest of all breeds of heavy horses. It is a deservedly popular animal. It has an excellent conformal and charming disposition. By the sixth decade of the past century, English horse breeders began to take note of the decreasing population of this horse breed because of introduction of machinery for agriculture. Thus, some stepped in to defend it.

History of Suffolk Punch Horse

The Suffolk Punch Horse owes its breeding to Suffolk region, Eastern England. Historically, it is also known as Suffolk Horse or Suffolk Sorrel. The breeding began in England around five hundred years ago. Till the early part of the 20th century, this horse breed remained confined to the same area. Regarding its genetic heritage, one stallion- Crisp’s Horse of Ufford, foaled in the sixth decade of the 18th century, is the ancestor of all living Suffolks. The sole aim of developing this horse breed was to use it agriculturally. Records say that battles never made use of the Suffolk Punch Horse. Most likely Suffolk Punch Horses are descendants of English mares bred to Flanders, French-Norman and Norfolk trotter stallions. The Great Horse of medieval times, which was used in jousting, is believed to be the ancestor of Suffolk Punch Horse. Frequently, inbreeding has been practiced in the breed in order to generate a standardized phenotype and to save the breed from becoming extinct.

Physique of Suffolk Punch Horse

Suffolk Punch Horse has short and clean legs. It has a short and attractive head with kind eyes. The head is well-set on a muscular, crested neck. Its shoulders are massive with deep, wide chest, flat withers and deep girth. It has a broad back and wide croup. Its joints are broad and sound. Its hooves are well-formed. This horse has little or no feathering.

Height of Suffolk Punch Horse

Body Color of Suffolk Punch Horse

The coat of Suffolk Punch Horse is exclusively chestnut. There are seven other shades in which you will find this horse. These shades are- red, gold, copper, yellow, liver, light and dark. There are no white markings, though faint stripes are sometimes apparent.

Temperament of Suffolk Punch Horse

Uses of Suffolk Punch Horse

This horse breed is mainly used for agricultural chores. In England Suffolk Punch Horses are made to participate in Suffolk Punch Horse shows, pulling competitions and presentations. Pulling contests involving Suffolk Punch Horses are also held in the U.S. In the past, the purpose of breeding Suffolk Punch Horse was not showing; as a result this horse breed has extremely functional conformation.

During early 20th century, agriculture was rapidly becoming mechanized and horses were losing their importance and popularity for working in the fields. This modification in technology almost resulted in the extinction of the Suffolk Punch’s breed. Large numbers of Suffolk horses were sold for slaughter in the mid-20th century, resulting in the disappearance of many male lines. Though its great service to agriculture is regrettably becoming a thing of the past, its presence and personality ensure that it will continue to attract enthusiasts who want to preserve it for its own sake.