Italian Heavy Draft

The Italian Heavy Draft is a rare breed of horse that is found almost exclusively and only in small numbers in Italy.

Background information on the evaluation and breeding horses can be found at: exterior, interior and horse breeding.

Exterior

The Italian Heavy Draft is a compact, medium-sized representative of its kind that is very similar to the Bretons in his appearance. The head with straight profile has an inquisitive expression, is of noble appearance and has a small mouth. The heavy neck is highly placed and boasts a beautiful line, and the thick long hair. The massive shoulder is sloping, the chest wide and the withers slightly marked. The hull is sufficiently deep, usually with a short back with a vorgetieften topline. The loin is strong and well- rounded gap croup. With a steep hind joints often have an open angle. The foundation is solid medium lightly feathered, steep shackles and large but narrow hooves.

Interior

The movement mechanics of Italian cold blood shows good actions in the step and a strong trot.

Breeding history

In Ferrara, a stud farm was established around 1860, in the first stallions were stabled in the Po Valley. Following the former fashion trend came soon added also thoroughbreds, Hackney and Orientals. Around the turn of the century, the stallions were expanded to include representatives of the heavy breeds Boulonnais, Ardennes and Breton, which could leave latter the greatest influence on the breed.

The breeding of horses work of this blow met with strong demand and thereby found a wide distribution soon. Particular attention was paid to the diligent actions and so the blow of horses Tiro Pesante Rapido was given the name, which means as much as quick draft horse. The horses were distinguished by their willing and persistent operation and had a perfect line of pull on.

During the First World War the breed, however, was specifically added in the region around Venice, great harm. This led to the need to race to consolidate new, what was sought through increased use of imported Breton stallions. Hence the still good to be recognized similarity of the Italian cold blood with the Bretons.

Towards the end of the 20th century, the breed registry nor included a stock of about 1,000 mares, their offspring are almost exclusively intended for consumption in southern Europe, the highly valued horseflesh. A use in agriculture is barely represented, due to the progressive mechanization.

420703
de