14 FARM ANIMALS 



stride and rapid walk which is particularly de- 

 sirable in a draft horse. 



Shire Horse. The Shire horse, also known in 

 the early days of England as the "great horse" or 

 "war horse," is quite closely related to the Clydes- 

 dale in its early development into a distinct breed. 

 This horse has recently become popular in the 

 United States. The prevailing colors are bay, 

 brown, black, and gray. In height they somewhat 

 exceed the Clydesdale and the weight is also some- 

 what greater. The Shire horse usually has a 

 Roman nose, short neck, straight shoulder, broad 

 back, short loins, and strong legs with a heavy 

 feather springing not only from the back tendons 

 but also from the sides. The legs show a ten- 

 dency to coarseness in some individuals and the 

 walk is slower than that of the Clydesdale. 



Suffolk. This breed of draft horses, also known 

 as the Suffolk Punch, originated in England and 

 has been developed from an early date with especial 

 reference to its use on the farm. The Suffolk is 

 almost always some shade of chestnut or sorrel, a 

 bright chestnut being preferred. Occasionally 

 bays are seen; but any color other than chestnut or 

 sorrel is looked upon as evidence of impure blood. 

 The body of the Suffolk horse is well rounded, the 

 legs are clean, and the action brisk. The Suffolk 

 is not as large as the Clydesdale or Shire horses, 

 standing 15 .3 to 17 hands high and weighing from 

 1500 to 2000 pounds. This breed is not exten- 

 sively used in the United States as yet. 



French Draft Horse. This breed of drafters 

 originated in Northern France. The prevailing 

 colors are gray, bay or black. French drafters are 

 among the heaviest of horses, weighing up to 2200 

 pounds or more and standing 16 hands high or 



