Suffolk Punch
No it’s not the latest drink craze to be served up at a party, it’s actually a breed of working draft horses that are under threat of extinction.
On our way home from a short break in Suffolk we made a flying visit to the Suffolk Punch Trust center near Woodbridge. Having already seen a demonstration of these magnificent horses ploughing at the Tendring Hundred Show earlier this year it was interesting to see them in their home environment, relaxing in the stables and the fields.
Suffolk Punch Horse
The Suffolk Punch is listed o the Rare Breeds register and watchlist. It is one of the oldest breeds of draft horses dating back to 1768. All modern Suffolk Horses are the descendents of Crisp’s Horse of Ufford. Progress and the mechanisation of farms meant that the Suffolk Horse was no longer in demand and numbers dwindled.
“Progress isn`t made by early risers. It`s made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something.” Robert A. Heinlein
Suffolk Punch Trust
Today these beautiful animals are in the care of the Suffolk Punch Trust, established in 2002, concerned with conservation of the Suffolk breed. The center at Woodbridge is open to the public to provide environmental and conservational education as well as preserving the historical heritage of the Suffolk region. A great day out for the whole family too!
