Key Characteristics

The Suffolk Horse is a native heavy horse which are capable of working for long periods without rest, making them relatively cheap to keep. 

• The Suffolk is always chestnut in colour (always spelt without the "t" when referring to this breed), although the shade can vary from dark liver to a light mealy colour, occasionally with a white star but no other white markings. 
• The legs are short, strong, and free from feather.
• The modern Suffolk is taller than its forbears standing 16-17 hh, whereas Crisp's Horse stood only 15.2 hh.

History

• The Suffolk Punch is the oldest breed of heavy horse to exist in its present form.
• The earliest Stud Book of any heavy horse breed, and all modern Suffolks are descended from just one horse, Crisp's Horse of Ufford, which was foaled in 1768.
• There were many thousands of Suffolks throughout East Anglia before the First World War as they are immensely strong and an ideal horse for working the land or carting goods.
• The Suffolk was hard hit by agricultural mechanisation as the flat arable land of East Anglia was well suited to steam engines or early tractors. 
• The breed declined rapidly, and in 1966 there were only nine Suffolk foals registered.

Uses

Traditionally the Suffolk's are known for their ability to be used for draught work and forestry, as well as their ability to work the land.

Suffolk Horses are used in cross breeding to produce heavy sports horses for hunter and show jumping competitions.

More commonly you will see the breed in ridden heavy horse classes, this is an area that is constantly growing.

Breed Societies

For more information then contact the Suffolk Horse Society.