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 spheres of human activity. Animals are characterized by a strong physique and calm disposition. Therefore, Belarusian draft horses are often used to train young riders.
Origin story
For many years, Belarusian breeders have been trying to develop their own breed of horses. Scientists wanted to get an animal that simultaneously had strength, endurance, increased performance and speed. To do this, breeders crossed representatives of the following breeds:
- Polish;
- Ardenese;
- Nord Swedish;
- Gudbrandedalskaya.
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. Over the course of 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, carry out selection along six lines. The most common are the descendants of the stallion Orlik the First. Representatives of this line are distinguished by good physique and energetic disposition.
The descendants of Orlik the First have repeatedly become prize-winners in various competitions.
The Anode First line is considered promising. The offspring of this stallion, obtained mainly through artificial insemination, are distinguished by their endurance. Thus, one of these horses was able to transport a team weighing over 20 tons.
Characteristics and description of the Belarusian draft horse
The 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. The body length of the animals is 1.62 meters. This difference is considered one of the main characteristics of the breed. The heavy-duty (main) variety has a massive body. The total weight of adult representatives of this subspecies is 600 kilograms.Horses of the lightweight subspecies were bred to participate in competitions. Therefore, these animals are distinguished by the characteristics of riding horses: small weight, elegant appearance, and others.
Among the features of the Belarusian draft horse are the following:
- medium-sized head with short muzzle;
- trapezoidal and massive neck;
- wide and developed chest, reaching 1.95 (for stallions) and 1.88 (for mares) meters in girth;
- long body;
- the 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 distinguished by light fawn, burgundy (with black hair), brown, red and cream shades. Less commonly, the body of these animals has a white, gray or black color.
Appearance
Representatives of this breed take a long time to mature. 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. In the heavier subspecies, growth is observed on the pasterns.
Another characteristic feature of the breed is that adults have strong hoof horns. 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.
Productive qualities
Belarusian horses are often bred to produce kumiss. Adults are capable of producing over 1.6 tons of milk during the entire lactation period.
This breed is also characterized by increased meat productivity. The slaughter yield of the product for a one and a half year old foal reaches 52%.
Comparison with other Belarusian breeds
The draft horse is the only breed bred on the territory of Belarus. However, local breeders do not give up attempts to improve the characteristics of the animal. For this purpose, Belarusian breeders are developing separate lines of draft horses and breeding subspecies with their own characteristics. In particular, there are varieties of this breed that are distinguished by greater endurance or demonstrate better racing qualities.
Specifics of maintenance and care
It is recommended to keep horses of the Belarusian breed in stalls built of wood or brick. For adult animals, it is necessary to construct stalls measuring at least 3.5 x 3.5 meters. These horses require daily walks of several hours and regular interaction with other horses.
Due to the fact that animals reach large sizes, the ceiling height in the pen should exceed three meters. Each stall must have a window and good ventilation. In this case, you need to organize the room so that there are no drafts inside. Horses need to change their bedding daily, which is made from peat, sawdust or straw.
What to feed?
The diet of the animal directly depends on the scope of application. It is recommended to give horses of this breed:
- hay;
- oats;
- bran;
- carrot;
- salt.
As supplements, animals are given vitamin-mineral complexes, apples, fodder beets and watermelons. Horses require water before each feeding. At the same time, it is important to prevent uncontrolled drinking. After work (races), stallions are able to drink more water than their body requires. This can cause problems with the functioning of the digestive system.
How to breed the breed?
To exclude the appearance of non-purebred horses, it is recommended to breed only healthy animals with no deviations in their behavior. The optimal pair is considered to be one in which the mare is larger than the horse.
It can be bred either naturally or artificially. Stallions over three years of age are allowed to breed. At this point, the horse’s body is already fully formed.
The recommended time for mating is the period from March to July. If conception occurs during this period, 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 their good and calm disposition. Therefore, such horses are used for riding and in equestrian sports. These animals are also suitable for training novice jockeys. Belarusian horses easily run in harness, and heavy lines are used in agricultural work.
