The Suffolk Punch is the oldest of Great Britain’s heavy breeds, dating back to at least the 16th century. The early breeding may have been influenced by the Norfolk Roadster, Norfolk Trotter or Norfolk Cob, and the breed’s size may have come from Belgian draft blood.

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Colour

Chesnut - No other colour is allowed. Historically 7 shades of chesnut were defined  Dark Liver, Dull Dark, Light Mealy, Red, Golden, Lemon and Bright (See chart below). However, The Society will accept Liver, Dark, Red, Light, or Bright chesnut.

Note: When referring to Suffolk horse chestnut is always spelled chesnut. Whole-colour is preferred, but a certain amount of white on the face is acceptable. A scattering of silver or white hairs on the body is allowed. White to the fetlock is allowed but is regarded as a fault and is not acceptable for stallions being used for breeding. Hoof colour is not prescribed so will be either pigmented or unpigmented.

Height

Height range at maturity is between 15¾ hands and 17 hands. Note  There are instances of individual animals exceeding 17hh.

Head

Big with broad forehead but elegant, shapely and well proportioned.

Eyes

Well set, full, bright and intelligent.

Neck

Deep in collar tapering gracefully towards the setting of the head.

Shoulder

Long and muscular, well thrown back at the withers.

Girth

In proportion to height.

Back

Wide and level. Graceful outline in back, loin and hind quarters with tail well set up.

Fore-end

Broad in front. Great depth of heart with every appearance of strong constitution.

Hind-Quarters

Broad behind with good second thighs

Ribs

Deep round ribbed from shoulder to flank

Legs

Legs short in proportion to body. Fore legs straight. Pasterns well sloping at the same angle as the hoof, big flat knees and long clean hocks on short cannon bones. Elbows turned in are a serious defect as are straight hind legs.

Bone

Good flat bone with strength below the knee and hock.

Feet

Large strong feet circular in form protecting the frog. Wide coronet. Strong open heel.

Hair

Clean legged. Minimal hair allowed at heels

Action - Walk

Smart and true. Quick springing action with hocks kept fairly near together.

Action - Trot

Well balanced level movement with good straight action.