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Dutch Heavy Draft horse

Country Of Origin	Netherlands
History and Background	Sometimes called the Nederlandsche Trekpaard, the Dutch Draft originates from Holland. Often used for heavy draft work, it is the heaviest of all Dutch horse breeds. Due to modern industrialization, however, few Dutch Draft horses exist today. The Royal Society for the preservation of the Dutch Draft Horse was formed on December 22, 1914. This society manages the stud book for the Dutch Draft as well as the Haflinger horse (another horse breed from Holland). The Dutch Draft horse was developed by breeding Zeeland with Belgian horses as well as some Belgian Ardennes. Many of the horses settled in the provinces of North Brabant and Zeeland, where they are popular for carrying heavy loads of marine clay and helping farmers in their daily duties. However, as the use of cars and machines increased, the demand for heavy horses, such as the Dutch Draft, decreased. Most of the Dutch Draft horses that exist today are used for farm work.
Use Today	Agriculture work
Height	16 hands tall (64 inches, 162.5 centimeters)
Colour	Bay, Black, Chestnut, Grey
Characteristics	The Dutch Draft is a massive, solidly built horse. It was bred primarily for draft work, so the governing society for the breed, The Royal Society, purposely choose well-developed stock for the breeding program. Ideally, the Dutch draft should have well-defined withers, hind quarters, and loins. Its legs should be muscular, while its hooves must be strong and firm. The most common coat colours for the Dutch Draft are bay and gray, although black is sometimes seen.
Personality and Temperament	The Dutch Draft’s most exceptional quality is not its strength or its size, but its disposition. It is a quiet horse that is docile, obedient, and undemanding. Despite the fact the Dutch Draft can act quickly when the situation demands, its movements are unhurried and precise.
Other Considerations	Traditionally, the Dutch Draft was used for agricultural purposes throughout the Netherlands, especially to plow heavy clay soils which tired many other breeds out. Before mechanisation, they were popular agricultural horses throughout Gelderland, North Brabant and Limburg due to their great strength and willing temperament.