HORSES OF THE WORLD

VLADIMIR HEAVY DRAUGHT   Origin: Eurasia - Russia

History:
At the start of the 20th century Russian breeders in the provinces of Vladimir and Ivanovo imported stallions of various heavy breeds from France and England to cross with local mares to develop a quality heavy working horse. The Clydesdale had the most influence, notably the foundation stallions Lord James, Border Brand and Glen Albin. Cleveland Bay, Suffolk, Ardennais, Shire and Percheron blood was also introduced.
A powerfully built heavy horse emerged well suited to all types of heavy agricultural and draught work. The Vladimir is the larges of the Russian heavy breeds. A calm temperament made the horse easy to train and its active paces ensured its ability to pull the famous Russian troikas.
At the age of three the Vladimir is developed enough to start work and stand at stud. Vladimir stallions are noted for their good fertility rate. The breed was recognized in 1946 and named the Vladimir Heavy Draught.

Characteristics:
powerfully built
Head: large, long head; convex profile, kind expression
Neck: long, muscular
Shoulders: pronounced withers
Body: fairly long, broad back; wide chest; broad, sloping croup
Girth: stallions about 207cm (6 feet 9 inches), mares about 196cm (6 feet 5 inches)
Legs: long limbs, sometimes with feather
Mane and Tail: curly
Weight: stallions about 758kg (1,688lb), mares about 685kg (1,507lb)
Color: predominantly bay; black and chestnut with white markings on head and legs
Height: stallions 16.1hh, mares 15.3hh
Temperament: extremely good natured, calm, willing
Qualities: great strength, stamina, active paces, excellent gait, easy to train

Today:
In Russia the Vladimir Heavy Draught still performs all kinds of heavy farm and draught work.