Over the years we, at Eagle Ridge Suffolks have worked with a number of draft horses of different breeds and often commented that we’d like to get into a breeding program but hadn’t found just the “right†horses. In 2003, we were very fortunate to buy a team of Suffolk geldings. Immediately we discovered the amazing attributes of the Suffolk Punch horse. Willing disposition, the best feet, workable size, and incredible intelligence are just a few of the outstanding characteristics consistently shown to us by our Suffolk team. With high hopes, we bought a Suffolk stallion prospect in 2006, and he has far and away exceeded all our expectations. His unflappable disposition and eagerness to please us has convinced us that Suffolk Punch is the right breed for us. In 2008, we bought three Suffolk mares and added them to the brood mare band. They, too, have all the excellent attributes of the breed and show great promise for producing outstanding offspring.
Why We Choose Suffolk Punch Draft Horses
Suffolk Punch horses are well suited to all skill and age levels. For beginners, a well broke Suffolk Punch team is remarkably patient and forgiving. They strive to “understand†what people are asking of them. For the experienced teamster, a Suffolk Punch horse will give their absolute all in any situation and be an honest and willing work partner. The breed’s medium frame is capable of tremendous strength powered by a big heart. For older folks, finding it a little more difficult to “throw the harnessâ€, a Suffolk Punch horse offers a reasonable height and confirmation.
Suffolk Punch horses are bred to work on the farm. Our philosophy for breeding, training, and working with our horses is firmly centered on the variety of jobs around the farm suited to using heavy horses. Top priority is given to exposing all our horses to as much variety as possible. We are constantly amazed by how personable and curious our Suffolk horses are. When encountering a new sight, they all eagerly approach to check it out. We’ll not soon forget seeing our geldings and stallion chase a very concerned black bear out of “their†pasture. We have an abundance of wildlife here and it’s common for our horses to see bear, deer, and moose at close quarters. We routinely make it a practice to use motorized equipment around the horses such as a power saw, skid steer, tractor, and cat. Our harness broke horses take traffic in stride and are familiar with large trucks and the sound of air brakes. We feel it is very important to have all our horses well used to people. Visitors are always taken out to “see the horses†and the horses are happy to see us and meet new people.
Training Suffolk Punch Draft Horses
Our training methods embrace respect for each individual horse’s personality and potential abilities. We know that every moment spent with the horses, even just a quick stroll through their pasture, is a training opportunity so we strive to make each moment count in a positive way. Our ultimate goal is to have each horse want to spend time with us and trust us. When we achieve that, we know that our horses are ready to willingly work with us. Our horses come when called in the field, ask for the touch of our caring hands, and respect us as the leaders of the herd; confirming that we have attained our goal.
When our home raised horses are ready for harness we like to start them in an open (without blinders) bridle. We want to allow the horse to see and be as comfortable as possible with every new experience. We spend considerable time on ground work, gradually building up to light skidding of things like a tire or small log. When the horse shows trust, confidence and that special willingness to work, we hitch him or her with a steady, well trained gelding and move on to other jobs. We do use blindered bridles for horses that have been trained with them elsewhere and to encourage focus on the job with our home raised horses.
Included in our horse-drawn equipment line-up is a wagon, manure spreader, round bale handler, mower, harrow, and work sled. We are always looking for more useful tools for teams of horses. We aim to expose our horses to as many work situations as possible as allowed by their age. A good portion of our horses’ work happens in the winter and that’s a great time of the year for training. Chores in winter must be done every day and that teaches routine and patience in the barn and in harness. Throughout the rest of the year there are plenty of jobs to be done that teach our horses to accept a variety of situations.
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Suffolk Punch
The "just right" breed of draft horses with outstanding qualities such as...
• willing dispositions
• the best feet
• moderate, workable frame size
• incredible intelligence
• remarkably patient & forgiving
• tremendous strength & heart
• personable & curious
• well suited to all skill & age levels
This amazing draft breed of horses eagerly approach new sights and sounds with calm, steady curiousity and quick acceptance.
Waylon & Willie spot a bear!
The bobcat loading the spreader.
view more photos of our horses at work
in our photo gallery
Our life and our farm are wholly centered
on the best breed of
heavy horse –
Suffolk Punch!
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