One of the oldest breeds of English carthorse, the Suffolk Punch has a history dating back to the 16th century. Originally known as the ‘Suffolk Sorrel,’ the breed boasts a number of differences to other heavy working horse breeds and is both distinctive and exceptionally rare today.
The founding stallion, named ‘Crisp’s Horse of Ufford,’ was foaled in 1768 and is credited with the bloodline of all modern Suffolk Punches.
Developed from various breeds, including the Thoroughbred, Norfolk Cob, and Norfolk Trotter, the Punch has been in and out of favour over the course of its history, with the population declining significantly following WWII. Not only was the Suffolk Punch widely enlisted as an artillery horse, but many were sent to the slaughterhouse for their meat.
Recently, interest in the breed has increased, meaning that numbers are up slightly, although it is still considered one of the rarest horse breeds in Britain. In 1966, only nine Suffolk Punch horses were registered in the UK — this has increased to somewhere in the region of 150 horses today.
Always chestnut in colour, the Suffolk Punch was traditionally used as a dexterous carthorse in commercial forestry, and as an everyday companion and riding animal.
Did you know…?
During the 20th century, a number of Suffolk Punch horses were exported to Pakistan in order to improve some of their native breeds. They were also largely crossed with donkeys, producing today’s Pakistani mules.
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From West Dunbartonshire, United Kingdom
I bought my Suffolk punch last year although I have known her for 7 years, she won HOYS, Heavy Horse of the year, Blair and many many more major shows. She is a gentle giant and an absolute character, I love her to bits and if anyone every has a chance to buy a Suffolk they really should as they are worth their weight in gold