Belarusian draft horse: breed description and content specifics

The main feature of the Belarusian draft horse is that, unlike other representatives of its species, this breed remains in demand in equestrian sports, agriculture and other areas of human life. Animals are characterized by a strong physique and a calm disposition. Therefore, Belarusian draft horses are often used to train young riders.

Origin story

Belarusian breeders have been trying for many years to develop their own breed of horses. Scientists wanted to get an animal that simultaneously possessed strength, endurance, increased performance and speed.To do this, breeders crossed representatives of the following breeds:

Polish;
Ardenese;
North Swedish;
goodbrandedal.

The first representatives of the Belarusian draft breed appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. However, this breed was officially registered only in 2000. For almost 200 years of history, several Belarusian stud farms have been breeding draft horses. To date, only 2 such enterprises have survived. Stud farms, in order to improve the breed, select six lines. The most common are the descendants of the stallion Orlik the First. Representatives of this line are distinguished by a good physique and energetic disposition.

Descendants of Orlik the First have repeatedly won prizes in various competitions.

The line of the Anode of the First is considered promising. The descendants of this stallion, obtained mainly by artificial insemination, stand out due to their endurance. So, one of these horses was able to transport a team weighing over 20 tons.

Characteristics and description of the Belarusian draft horse

Belarusian breed is divided into 2 types, differing from each other both in external and traction characteristics.

Exterior

The average height of adult horses of this breed reaches 1.56 meters. At the same time, the length of the body of animals is 1.62 meters. This difference is considered one of the main characteristics of the breed. The heavy-drawn (main) variety is distinguished by a massive body. The total weight of adult representatives of this subspecies is 600 kilograms. Lightweight horses were bred to compete. Therefore, these animals differ in the characteristics of riding horses: small mass, graceful appearance and others.

Among the features of the Belarusian draft horse, the following are distinguished:

medium head with short muzzle;
trapezoid and massive neck;
wide and deployed chest, in girth reaching 1.95 (for stallions) and 1.88 (for mares) meters;
long body;
back line is straight;
massive and wide sacrum;
strong and dry legs of medium length;
thick and lush hair, both in the mane and in the tail.

Purebred Belarusian horses are light red, burgundy (with black hair), brown, red and cream. Less commonly, the body of these animals has a white, gray or black color.

Appearance

Representatives of this breed mature for a long time. The characteristics of the animal appear in 5-year-old stallions. By this age, horses develop a long and thick mane, which is not recommended to be cut. The weighted subspecies has overgrowth on pasterns.

Another characteristic feature of the breed is that adults have a strong hoofed horn. Thanks to this, breeders do not shoe horses that are involved in earthworks. Representatives of the light subspecies are distinguished by elongated legs and a short, thinned mane. The body of these horses is less massive.

Productivity

Belarusian horses are often bred for koumiss. Adults are capable of producing over 1.6 tons of milk during the entire lactation period.

Also, this breed is characterized by increased meat productivity. The slaughter yield of the product in a one and a half year old foal reaches 52%.

Comparison with other Belarusian breeds

Draft horse is the only breed bred on the territory of Belarus. However, local breeders do not stop trying to improve the characteristics of the animal.To do this, Belarusian breeders develop separate lines of draft horses, deduce subspecies with their own characteristics. In particular, there are varieties of this breed that are distinguished by greater endurance or demonstrate better racing qualities.

Specific maintenance and care

Belarusian horses are recommended to be kept in stalls built of wood or brick. For adult animals, it is necessary to build stalls with a size of at least 3.5x3.5 meters. These horses require daily walks of several hours and regular contact with other horses.

Due to the fact that the animals reach large sizes, the height of the ceiling in the corral should exceed three meters. A window should be installed in each stall and ensure good ventilation. In this case, it is necessary to organize the room so that drafts do not occur inside. Horses need to change their bedding daily, which is made from peat, sawdust or straw.

What to feed?

The diet of an animal directly depends on the scope of application. Horses of this breed are recommended to give:

hay;
oats;
bran;
carrot;
s alt.

As supplements, animals are given vitamin and mineral complexes, apples, fodder beets and watermelons. Horses need water before each feeding. At the same time, it is important to prevent uncontrolled drinking. Stallions after work (races) are able to drink more water than the body needs. This can cause digestive problems.

How to breed?

To exclude the appearance of non-purebred horses, it is recommended to breed only he althy animals, in whose behavior there were no deviations. The pair in which the mare is larger than the horse is considered optimal.

You can breed both naturally and artificially. Stallions older than three years are allowed to mate. By this time, the body of the horses is already fully formed.

The recommended time for mating is the period from March to July. If conception occurs during this period, then the foal will be born in early spring, when fresh grass is available.

Diseases and treatments

The Belarusian breed is characterized by the same diseases that occur in other horses:

arthritis;
tuberculosis;
anemia;
eczema;
colic;
tetanus and others.

The list of diseases that occur in representatives of the Belarusian draft breed contains over 10 different pathologies. In this regard, the treatment method is selected taking into account the characteristics of the infectious process and other disorders.

Scope of application

Representatives of the Belarusian breed are distinguished by a good and calm disposition. Therefore, such horses are used for riding and in equestrian sports. Also, these animals are suitable for training beginner jockeys. Belarusian horses run easily in harness, and heavy lines are used in agricultural work.