Vladimir Heavy Draft

The Vladimir heavy draft is a Russian draught breed developed in the Vladimir and Ivanovo regions, with major influence from imported Clydesdale and Shire stallions crossed on local mares. Consolidated in the twentieth century, it was bred to combine size and pulling power with an active walk and trot. Many horses are bay or chestnut with white markings and some feathering, and the breed is generally taller and more energetic in outline than the heaviest, slower draft types.

These horses were used for farm work, transport, logging, and heavy harness, and they still suit owners who need a powerful working horse with more reach and movement than a small farm cob. Management must account for their size. Adequate forage supports work without encouraging obesity, while hoof care, well-fitted collars, and gradual conditioning are essential before heavy pulling. Large draft horses can become hard on joints when kept overweight or idle, so turnout and steady work matter. Conservation breeders in Russia and elsewhere also watch fertility, foal growth, and preservation of the old working type.

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, 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