Draft Horse BreedsThe Draft breeds popular in America are commonly listed as: Clydesdale, Belgian or Belgian Draft, Percheron, Suffolk or Suffolk Punch, and the great Shire.
Probably the most recognized by non-draft folks is the Clydesdale -- from the publicity the famous Annheiser-Busch teams generate. Belgians are probably the most numerous in the United States, at work in the field, in Draft shows and in pulling contests. Percherons show up wherever workhorses do -- they pull, show, work, and jump! I have seen the Shire in show and ridden dressage. Less numerous in the United States are the Suffolk and American Cream Draft. The French Mulassier is one of too many endangered domestic species.
From before the 1970's probably the most important contributions purebred draft breeders made to the horse community, was in maintaining pure lines for cross breeding purposes. The hearty 'chunk' or draft cross as they are known today can be registered in the Draft Cross Registry.
