Part Breds (aka Cross Breds)

The Suffolk Punch crossed with a light horse can produce useful harness and riding horses.   Historically was the accepted practice to produce the half draughts (known sometimes as ‘Vanners”), and utility horses which were used around the farm and station both under saddle and in shafts.

Jack Ben Biaji_0003 SuffolkXTB

The UK Metropolitan Police Service – Mounted Branch use half or three-quarter bred animals.  These are reputed to be the best for policing, “combining the spirit of a thoroughbred with the strength and stability of a draught horse”.

It’s interesting that at the end of their training, these horses are officially designated “remounts”.

And below two photos of a SuffolkXMorgan foal

Suffolk mare with part bred foal about eight hours old
Suffolk mare with part bred foal about eight hours old
And same part-bred foal at five months of age
And same part-bred foal at five months of age