The Suffolk Punch is a heavy draft horse than can weigh between 1700 to 2000 pounds. The girth can measure up to 80 inches, which is more than either the Clydesdale or the Shire, both notably large horses. The Suffolk has strong shoulders, wide hipbones, an arching neck, short back, and a high tail. The legs are short and stout.

The color of this breed is always chestnut, but the shade can range from a light golden to a dark brown. Some subtle white markings may be present and the horse is often dressed in traditional ribbons and when shown. The tail is also braided and tied up for work, a custom that is also practical as it prevents the tail from getting caught in the reins.

Today, these docile and gentle animals are used mainly as show horses. Because of their large size, they attract a lot of attention. They are very active, easily handled, and often seen in pulling contests. And though the Suffolk can still also be seen working farms, its numbers are low and in 1985, the American Minor Breeds Conservancy designated the Suffolk Punch as a rare breed.

The Suffolk Punch is one of the oldest draft breeds and its origins may go back as far as 1506. They were developed in the English Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in order to plow the soil which had a very heavy clay consistency. Farmers would very rarely sell their horses because they were needed to assist them with tasks on the farm. Consequently, the breed has remained relatively pure and much the same as when it first appeared. In fact, all the current horses of this breed can be traced back to a stallion that was named Crisp’s Horse that was born in 1760.

Back to the Horse Breeds Page         Suffolk Punch Breeders - Horses for Sale
Suffolk Punch - Horses for Sale