144 THE HORSE > ASS > AND MULE 



In 1893 Professor Robert Wallace, the Scotch authority, 

 stated that "at one time they were flat-footed and liable to 

 become lame if worked regularly on the hard road or on stone 

 pavements, but the care bestowed upon breeding has in recent 

 years eliminated this defect among animals of the first rank." 



The quality and action of the Suffolk rank well. The breed 

 cannot be classed as coarse, while in action it stands next to the 

 Clydesdale among the draft breeds. Wallace states that they 

 twist their legs and feet when moving, but this does not apply 

 to-day as much as it may have formerly. The height ranges 

 from 1 6 to 17 hands, though 16 to 16^ is more common. In 

 fact this breed should be short of leg and close to the ground, 

 though the Suffolks the author has seen in this country have 

 shown considerable height and weight. The weight should not run 

 high, 1 800 to 1900 pounds being ample. Greater weights than this 

 are obtained, but they are not most typical ; for example, Gal- 

 braith gives 1800 to 2200 pounds, but this brings him up to a 

 horse of large size among the draft breeds, a thing never claimed 

 by Suffolk breeders. The Suffolk should not be as large as 

 Clydesdale or Shire, and is not bred for the heavy draft work of 

 the city, but for farm purposes, where less weight is required. This 

 is generally conceded by advocates of the breed. The color is a 

 Suffolk characteristic, for it is always a chestnut, varying from 

 a bright to a dark shade. This has always been a breed feature, 

 no other color being allowed. Biddell allows for seven shades, 

 a bright one being considered most desirable, with mane and 

 tail of same color. Some have favored the dark shade, but it is 

 not generally recognized as desirable. A light, mealy chestnut 

 is quite condemned, as indicating weak constitution, soft legs, 

 and slow temperament. White hairs to a slight extent in the 

 body color may be permitted, but are not desired. 



The Suffolk as a draft horse ranks high among the farmers of 

 eastern England. It is considered capable of doing a maximum 

 amount of labor on a less amount of feed and for longer periods 

 than other drafters. This is the opinion of the people of Suffolk, 

 however. Its steadiness and persistence at pull has long made 

 the breed famous, but this same characteristic is probably 

 equally well established with other breeds. 



