Soviet Heavy Draft

The Soviet heavy draft, also called the Soviet Heavy Draught, is a large Russian draft horse developed during the Soviet period from imported Belgian Brabant and other heavy stallions crossed with local mares. It was selected for pulling power, early maturity, size, and the ability to work in agricultural regions with harsh winters. The breed is massive without being coarse in every line, with a broad chest, strong neck, heavy bone, and a generally willing disposition. Chestnut is especially common, although bay and other solid colors may be seen.

In its home region the Soviet heavy draft has been used for field work, transport, breeding improvement, and in some systems for meat or mare's milk production. Outside eastern Europe and Russia it is uncommon, so buyers usually need to rely on documented origin rather than name alone. Management is much like that of other heavy horses: thoughtful feeding to prevent excess weight, attention to feet and joints, and slow conditioning before demanding draft work. Breeders value fertility, sound limbs, and a steady temperament as much as sheer body mass.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White