Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch originated in East Anglia where it remained largely pure and true to its original form. Today, the Suffolk is bred in other parts of England, as well as abroad, most notably in America. The breed can be traced back to 1506, when writers referred to them as the Old Breed. All Suffolk Punches today can be traced back down the make line to one stallion called Crisp's Horse of Ufford, who foaled in 1760. The Suffolk Punch is one of the three heavy horses of England - the other two being the Shire and the Clydesdale. However, the Suffolk differs significantly from these two, being both shorter and more massively built, and also having only minimal feathering of the legs.

Traditionally the Suffolk was used for agricultural purposes, being immensely powerful and very willing. They were developed for the East Anglian terrain, which was mainly heavy clay soil, and, therefore, the lack of feathering was a distinct advantage. One gentleman credited with establishing the breed was Herman Biddell. He was the first secretary of the Suffolk Horse Society and published an extensive history of the breed as well as the first studbook in 1880.

The Suffolk has tremendous stamina and can work for long hours on minimal fodder rations. Traditionally they were entered in strength contests, where they would be required to pull huge logs. They were judged by the amount of effort they put in and it would not be uncommon to see a Suffolk get down on its knees in an attempt to move the  log. They are unique in appearance, with very short legs in comparison to the massive build of their body.

They generally have a large, honest head with a wide forehead and kind eyes, a thick and powerful neck, low sloping muscular shoulders, with a deep and broad chest, and wide powerful quarters. They are short in the legs, which are nonetheless, very strong, and have good joints and short cannon bones. Typically the Suffolk matures young and is long-lived, as well as being an economical feeder. They are always chestnut in color- the breed society recognizes seven different shades of chestnut - and white markings are discouraged.

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