The ])K.\Fr IJkkeds of Great l!i;riAi.\ 03 



thev are claimed to be bred and used more exchisivelv for agri- 

 cultural purposes than any of the draft breeds. They originated 

 in eastern England, principally in Suffolk county, from which 

 the breed takes its name. They are also bred in smaller numbers 

 in adjoining counties. 



The Sulfolk is one of the most distinctive types of drafters 

 known. The color of this breed, which is referred to with nuich 

 pride by the English breeder, is chestnut, which became tixcd 

 nearly two centuries ago. No animals of an}- other color are 

 allowed to be recorded in the Sutl'olk Studbook. All shades from 

 light sorrel to dark liver are classed as chestnut, but the shade 

 nearest to red chestnut, with very little white, is most popular. 



The facts in connection with the old-time history of the origin 

 and development of this breed seems to be well established, 

 and show that there has been no crossing or mixing with foreign 

 blood — at least since the lieginning of the eighteenth century- — as 

 was the case in all the other draft breeds. The Suffolk breeding 

 districts in eastern England, especially Suffolk county, while 

 small in area, are very fertile and extremely well cultivated. 

 The rich low pastures mostly along the rivers and English chan- 

 nel are well adapted to the development of heavy horses. Some 

 of these pastures are below sea level and are protected by embank- 

 ments. They are very productive and furnish an abundance of 

 feed most of the year. 



For the future of the Suffolk breed it is fortunate that there 

 were a few wealthy men in Suffolk who became largely inter- 

 ested in the improvement and preservation of this old breed of 

 horses during the past twenty years. These public spirited men 

 have purchased and kept large numbers of the best stallions and 

 mares, working and breeding them on their large estates, and 

 showing them annually at all of the principal fairs, from the 

 local town and county shows up to the Royal, w'hich is the prin- 

 cipal fair of Great Britain. On these estates are kept the cham- 

 pion and prize Suffolk stallions, which are not fw sale at any 

 price. The tenant farmers are allowed and encouraged to breed 

 their mares to these noted sires at a nominal fee. I^early all 

 colts bred on the small farms are sold at weaning time at private 

 sale, or combined public sale. The best of them are purchased by 



