The Suffolk Punch horse
The oldest and purest of English draught horses takes its name from the county in which it is bred and from the word “punch” (short and fat), which suits the breed quite well. They are descended from a chestnut stallion, probably a Trotter owned by Thomas Crisp of Ufford, Suffolk, born in 1768. For some, the founding stallion is Blake’s Farmer, born in 1760, who could derive from the “Great Horse”, with the help of the Norfolk Roadster, Norfolk Coh and Flanders Trotters. Thereafter, a probable contribution of Thoroughbreds took place in the 19th century. The Suffolk Horse Society was founded in 1877. The Suffolk Punch contributed to the development of Jutland.
Caractère et aptitudes du cheval
Gentle and very docile, this horse is resistant, strong, extremely powerful, active, and frugal. It has a long lifespan. The trot is fast, with a very energetic action.
Utilisations du cheval
Agricultural and urban work, carriage driving, heavy draught, horse shows and exhibitions.
Morphologie du cheval
Not very short head. Broad forehead. Straight or slightly arched profile. Ears set wide apart, short. Large eyes. Voluminous body, brevilinear type, broad, rounded (“round like a barrel”). Short, thick, rosy neck. Low withers. Long, muscular, sloping shoulders. Broad chest. Deep, ample chest. Short, broad back. Powerful loins. Strong, powerful hindquarters. Long, broad croup. Limbs rather short, clean. Good bone structure. Wide joints. No dewlap. Relatively small, hard-horned feet. Well set tail. Coat: chestnut (7 shades from palest to darkest), light or washed tips. Height: 1.62 to 1.73 m.
