The breed of horses, the Lithuanian heavy truck, was bred in the period from the middle of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century. Her ancestors are Zhmud horses that inhabited the territory of modern Lithuania. In the pre-war period, these animals were indispensable helpers of rural residents. The breed is still used for transporting goods and on the field.
Horse breed Lithuanian heavy truck
Origin
Mentions of strong and hardy indigenous horses of Lithuania are found in documents dating back to the 16th century. Zhmud horses were well adapted to the local food supply and climate. The peasants used them as faithful helpers.
In the 19th century, agriculture began to develop rapidly, and the need for draft power increased. The Lithuanian government heeded the requests of local residents to create their own breed of strong horses that could easily transport goods and plow the land. Although local stallions and mares were hardy, they turned out to be too small for such a large-scale work.
For selection, local mares, stallions of the Swedish Ardennes and Russian heavy trucks were used.. For 20 years, Lithuanian breeders in Vilnius have bred crossbred offspring until they have secured good traits. The work was completed in 1940. Her results exceeded expectations.
The Great Patriotic War did not pass without a trace for the new breed. Part of the livestock was used for army needs. Fortunately, the breeding stallions survived, and the breeders managed to restore the population. In 1963, the Lithuanian heavy truck was officially registered. Today, a heavy draft horse of Lithuanian origin is common in Russia and European countries.
Exterior
The Lithuanian heavy truck is notable for its rough shape and short stature – 1,5–1,55 m. Most often it is represented in a red or bay color. Characteristic features of the exterior:
- disproportionate physique – the head and neck are very large compared to the body;
- slightly hook-nosed profile;
- expressive, kind eyes;
- the withers are well defined, the neck is slightly arched;
- the body is muscular;
- back line with a deep deflection;
- the chest is massive, wide;
- the croup is neat with a low tail set;
- legs are strong, saber is characteristic of the hind limbs;
- lush mane and thick tail.
The appearance of the Lithuanian heavy truck
The nature and dignity of the breed
A heavy draft horse of Lithuanian origin has a kind and docile nature. She is obedient and hardworking, for which she is valued at home. In the villages, these animals are also used for walking in the saddle, which they do not resist at all.
Despite the unsightly appearance, the Lithuanian heavy truck horse has earned a good reputation. She is distinguished by good health and high working capacity. Animals are strong and hardy, unpretentious to the conditions of detention, picky about food.
Attention! Mares of this breed show good fertility – 80-90%.
Application of horses
Today, the Lithuanian heavy truck is still used in the countryside. Local residents keep horses as helpers in hard work – in the field, for transporting hay and fodder. In neighboring countries, the Lithuanian heavy draft breed is also in demand.
With the development of technological progress, draft horses are not as in demand as in pre-war times. Now machines do the hard work. Horses are often used for meat production.
The Lithuanian heavy truck cannot boast of a beautiful appearance, but it has a number of other advantages – strength, endurance, unpretentiousness and complaisant character. Such a horse is easy to keep, which is why it is still popular in Lithuania and other countries.
