The Suffolk Horse

Sometimes referred to as the Suffolk Punch, the Suffolk Horse is one of the oldest heavy horse breeds in Britain, going back over 500 years

Every registered Suffolk Punch can trace the male line back to “Crisps Horse of Ufford”, a stallion that was foaled in 1768.

Still mainly found in Suffolk & surrounding counties

Always in “Chesnut” (traditionally spelt without the middle “t”)

Seven shades of chesnut are recognised, from bright (pale sorrel) through red & yellow to dark copper

The Suffolk Horse has short but clean legs, i.e. there are no “feathers” on the leg. This makes it very suitable for working in the heavy soils of Suffolk.

Mares are typically 16.1 to 16.2hh while the stallions are larger, often over 17.1hh

The Suffolk horse has three features making it a popular choice as a working horse, it has an exceptional temperament, a long, active working life and is economical to feed

The Suffolk Horse has a unique braid for showing with raffia braided into the mane & tail. The tail is braided right to the end & then folded up. The horse also wears Ribbons or ”flights” (feathers or pom-poms) in the owner’s colours. DD’s colours are black & white for Chalkhouse Green Farm.

The Suffolk Horse is a rare breed

Increased mechanism of East Anglia’s arable farms after the Second World War meant that horses were no longer needed and as the farms started to get rid of their horses the Suffolk Horse faced extinction.

By 1966 only 6 registered foals were born & registered. Thanks to a few dedicated owners the breed is fighting back.

But it is still rarer than the giant Panda with less than 300 registered horses in the UK.