| Opinions vary, but the overall preferred percentage of color seems to be the tobiano 60/40 black to white combination. Homozygous testing for tobiano can be performed through a simple genetic test using pulled mane hair. It is important to note when pulling the mane hair to pull at least 30 hairs and be sure that the root bulb is attached to the hairs. The test utilizes the DNA located in the root bulb. Testing can be done through the University of Kentucky, Shelterwood Laboratories in Carthage, Texas or at other equine laboratories across the country. Horses accepted into NASDHA (naz-da) can be of any draft breed mixture, including Percheron, Belgian, Clydesdale, Shire, Suffolk Punch and the American Cream. Percheron crosses seem to be the most popular because of the black and white color, though other crosses are common as well. The Association holds no official position on tail docking, but as we are seeing more and more spotted draft horses being ridden, the general populous prefers a non-docked tail. Spotted drafts can be found throughout history and were used as war horses in medieval times. There was a brown and white draft horse in Queen Elizabeth's Court, believed to be a drum horse. These spotted horses also share a long history in the United States. A breeder in Iowa had over 20 spotted draft horses in the mid 60's. Conformation Spotted drafts should have conformation that closely reflects the draft type they most resemble (Percheron/Belgian type, Suffolk type, Shire/Clyde type, etc). Generally, the frame should be large, supported by clean, dense bone. Short, strong, muscled forearms and thighs. Legs placed well under the body. Intelligent heads with active ears, powerful, arching necks, which are clean cut at the throat. Shoulders tend to be upright, suitable for power rather than action. The back is short and strong. Ribs spring high from the backbone. The hindquarters are long and smooth to the root of the tail, which springs higher up than other breeds. The hip bones are wide apart, smoothly covered, the croup usually level. Depth and thickness from the withers to the legs are essential and they should be as deep in the flank as over the heart. The average height of the spotted draft is 16 to 17 hands, sometimes larger. Color Spotted draft horses are most often tobianos but overos and toveros do exist. Any base color is acceptable, though most popular colors are black, bay and sorrel. Disposition and Use The spotted draft has a splendid disposition and an easy temperament. They exhibit a ready willingness to work, great endurance and a desired quality known as "heart'. These horses are used for agricultural work, pleasure driving, parades, commercial carriages, showing, dressage, show jumping, logging and riding. As the popularity of the spotted draft increases, they can be seen at various expositions around the country; The Massachusetts Equine Affaire, Horse and Mule Progress Days, and The Texas Expo, to name a few. Because of their good nature, they are being used as trail horses for older folk who want a calm, relaxed trail buddy or as "husband's" horse because of their stocky frame. We are continuing to see the versatility of the spotted draft and presently have a member riding her spotted draft sidesaddle at demonstrations and events across the USA. |
| About the Breed - Spotted Draft Horses - Page 2 |