Draft horse

There are a number of breeds, with varying characteristics, but all share common traits of strength, patience, and a docile temperament.

In general, they are taller and tend to have heavier bone and a more upright shoulder than riding horses, producing conformation that is well suited for pulling.

One type of horse-powered work was the hauling of heavy loads, plowing fields, and other tasks that required pulling ability.

The reality was that the high-spirited, quick-moving Destrier was closer to the size, build, and temperament of a modern Andalusian or Friesian.

Tall stature, muscular backs, and powerful hindquarters made the draft horse a source of horsepower for farming, hauling freight and moving passengers.

The advent of railroads increased demand for working horses, as a growing economy still needed transport over the 'last mile' between the goods yard or station and the final customer.

The British were importing American draft horses to supplement their dwindling stock even before America joined the war, preferring Percheron crosses which they said had "great endurance, fine physique, soundness, activity, willingness to work, and almost unfailing good temper".

Small areas still exist where draft horses are widely used as transportation due to legislation preventing automotive traffic, such as on Mackinac Island in the United States.

Management of a large draft horse can be costly, including feed, shoeing, and veterinary care.

[6] The largest horse in recorded history was probably a Shire born in 1846 named Sampson (renamed Mammoth).

[9][10] Big Jake (2001–2021), an American Belgian standing 210.2 cm (20.275 hands), held the record for tallest living horse from 2010 until his death in 2021.