The Suffolk Punch

Bed-Down - Just Better British Bedding

I have been privileged to work for Glenn Cass from Greenstead Green Halstead, who keeps a yard of heavy horses, both Suffolk’s and shires. Why Suffolk’s some people say? 

These horses are an incredibly versatile horse with a huge work ethic. They were originally bred for land work, therefore typically short in the cannon bone with no feather, suitable for clay land etc and a lower angle of draft. 

Speaking from experience these horses love to work and are never happier than when doing so.  They have an amazing character.

Glenn currently owns two Suffolk’s, Withersfield Brigadier (aka Briggs) who is 7 years old, up and coming and broken to ride. and drive. He also owns Kentwell Paigale, (aka Peg) bred at Kentwell Hall in Long Melford . Peg is 17 now and been owned by Glenn since he was 3. For us he has been the ultimate heavy horse, and a true showman. He has competed in numerous county shows throughout the year in trade turnout classes pulling a dray and had many successful results. In recent years, two-wheel cart classes have become increasingly popular in which he has excelled. Peg has also done ploughing, working days, demos, and had a few Royal engagements. He has had a very successful ridden career, having qualified for Hoys in 2018, and qualified for the British Draught horse Championships in Dressage. 

The Suffolk horse is one of the true icons of our county of Suffolk, a more popular and traditional name for the Suffolk Horse is the Suffolk Punch. It must be Chesnut in colour (spelt the traditional Suffolk way) and is one of the four British breeds of heavy horse, bred for ploughing and pulling loads in farm work. Used for pulling guns and heavy supply waggons in the first world war.

Horses took over from Oxon because a horse collar is more efficient than a yoke for pulling, they are easier to shoe as the horse can stand on three legs whereas the Oxon had to be held up in a wooden frame.

By the 1960s the population of Suffolk Horses had fallen to such an extent that only nine foals were registered in the Stud Book in 1966.  A few farmers kept the breed alive over the next few years with a gradual increase to 50 foals in 2010.  Since then, national economic problems caused incomes to fall, and numbers again dropped a little.  In 2019 34 foals were registered in the UK and in 2020 there were 32.

Suffolk Punches are still used for agriculture by a few people and there is growing interest in using them for eco-sensitive logging, and general haulage as in Richmond Park.  They are always popular with spectators at agricultural shows, providing as they do, a spectacular display in the showring with their beautiful chesnut colour and gleaming brasses, especially on a sunny day.  Sadly, fewer owners are showing them pulling traditional farm carts, waggons and implements because it is easier for horses and owners if they use modern, lighter, and more easily maintained vehicles derived from competitive horse-driving trials.   Another popular show class is the light two-wheel cart that used to be called “ladies’ carts” but are now driven with a single horse by smartly dressed men as well as women.

As people get bigger and heavier, they need stronger horses if they wish to ride.  Many are now riding Suffolk Horses and even hunting or competing successfully.  This provides another market for the foals that are being produced.

The Suffolk Horse has a total UK population of less than 500, and it is classified as a critically endangered breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. As the Suffolk Punch horses are used less for farm work, such as ploughing and pulling waggons at the walk, and more for riding or pulling light carts at the trot, it is likely that the breed will change as breeders select horses to suit this new work. 

The important thing is to ensure that groups such as the Suffolk Horse Society, and breeders continue to support and oversee the continuation of the breed itself both to preserve its genetic potential and for the enjoyment of our successors.

You can help to support the Suffolk Horse Society by following this link https://suffolkhorsesociety.org.uk/how-you-can-help/

Information taken from the suffolkhorsesociety.org.uk
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