NASDHA Office
17420 US Hwy 20
Goshen, IN 46528
(574) 825-1924
NASDHA™ Characteristics
HISTORY
Spotted drafts can be found throughout history, and were used as war horses in medieval times. There was a brown and white draft in Queen Elizabeth's Court, believed to be a Drum Horse. These spotted horses also share a long history in the United States. A breeder in Iowa had over twenty spotted drafts back in the mid 60's.
CONFORMATION
Spotted drafts should have conformation which closely reflects the draft type they most resemble (Percheron/Belgian type, Suffolk type, Shire/Clydesdale type, etc.). Generally the frame should be large, supported by clean, dense bone. Short, strong, muscled forearms and thighs. Legs placed well under the horse. Intelligent heads with active ears, powerful, arching necks which are clean cut at the throat. Shoulders tend to be upright, suitable for power rather than action. The back is short and strong. Ribs spring high from the backbone. The hindquarters are long and smooth to the root of the tail, which springs higher up than other breeds. The hip bones are wide apart smoothly covered, the croup usually level. Depth and thickness from the withers to the legs are essential and they should be as deep in the flank as over the heart. The average height of the spotted draft is 16hh to 17hh+.
COLOR
Spotted drafts exhibit pinto coloring in the patterns of tobiano, overo, or tovero. Blue eyes are uncommon, but acceptable. Any base color is acceptable, though the most popular are black, bay, and brown.
DISPOSITION and USE
The spotted draft has a splendid disposition and an easy temperament. It exhibits a ready willingness to work, great endurance and the quality, known as "heart," which is well known. These horses are used for agricultural work, pleasure driving, parades, commercial carriages, showing, logging and riding.
