It was developed in the former Soviet Union for agricultural draft work, and was recognized as a breed in 1952.

[5]: 277  The origins of the Soviet Heavy Draft date to the late nineteenth century, at the Khrenovski stud farm in Voronezh Oblast.

There was strong demand for powerful agricultural horses, and the area of influence of the Brabant stallions spread.

[3]: 272 The selective breeding that created the Soviet Heavy Draft resulted in a massively-built horse with free-moving gaits.

Mares are moderately fertile (65–75%), and foals are fast-growing, reaching 350–400 kg when weaned.