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| Meet the Majestic and Unique American Cream Draft Horse |
The American Cream Draft Horse is the only draft horse breed native to the United States. With their cream coats, pink skin, amber eyes, and white manes and tails, they stand out among other heavy horse breeds. Learn about the origin, uses, and status of this magnificent and rare breed.
A Brief History of the American Cream Draft Horse
Old Granny - The Foundation Mare
The American Cream Draft Horse traces its lineage back to an Iowa mare simply called "Old Granny." She was likely a grade draft horse of Belgian, Percheron, or Clydesdale breeding. What set Old Granny apart was her unusual cream coloring, which breeders had never seen before in a draft horse.
All of Old Granny's offspring inherited her champagne gene and cream coat. Local farmers bred her to various stallions in the early 1900s to produce more of these prized "cream-colored draft horses." Her descendants had the same distinctive features - cream coats, pink skin, white manes and tails, and amber eyes.
Nelson's Buck - The Foundation Sire
A 1920 colt sired by a grade Percheron stallion and out of an Old Granny daughter named Bessie was named Nelson's Buck. He grew into a magnificent stallion at over 17 hands tall. Nelson's Buck passed on the distinct cream traits to nearly all his get when breeders selected him as the foundation sire.
All modern American Cream Draft Horses trace their bloodlines back to Nelson's Buck through both sire and dam lines, qualifying them as a true breed.
Recognition and Popularity
By 1944, the cream-colored draft horse population numbered around 200 head. That year the American Cream Horse Association was formed in Iowa and received an official charter.
In 1950, the Iowa Department of Agriculture recognized the breed as the American Cream Draft Horse. For two decades, their popularity and numbers grew steadily among North American farmers.
Characteristics That Define the Breed
Part of what makes the American Cream Draft Horse so cherished is its trademark appearance that no other heavy horse shares. Here are the physical qualities that distinguish the breed.
The Creamy Coat Color
The most obvious feature is the American Cream's creamy coat shade ranging from very light to darker golden colors. Even the darkest individuals still appear lighter than palominos.
Many have white markings on their legs and faces that add contrast to their coats. All registry-approved American Creams must carry at least one champagne gene to produce the distinctive color.
Size and Weight
The American Cream Draft is moderate in size compared to other heavy breeds like Belgians, Percherons, and Clydesdales who often stand over 17 hands and weigh a ton.
American Cream mares stand between 15 and 16.3 hands and weigh from 1,600 to 1,800 pounds at maturity.
Stallions stand around 16 to 17 hands and reach 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. Despite their smaller stature, American Creams possess all the power and substance desired in a draft horse.
Unique Facial Features
In addition to their cream coats, American Creams have amber eyes that range from gold to brown in color. Many have eyes with a bright reddish tint.
They always sport white or very light-colored manes and tails, even from birth. This striking facial appearance coupled with the champagne coat color gives American Creams an extremely unique look.
Current Population Status
The American Cream Draft Horse has an interesting history marked by extreme highs and lows in its numbers over the past century. Here is a summary of where the population stands today and how registries and breeders actively promote and protect this rare breed.
Population Numbers
The American Cream Draft reached peak popularity in the 1950s and 60s when their numbers exceeded 1,000 head. With the onset of mechanization and introduction of the tractor, all draft breeds saw huge declines, including the American Cream.
By the 1970s, less than 150 American Cream Draft Horses remained, most breeding stock owned by the Amish who continued using draft power. Without their dedication, the breed likely would have vanished completely.
Thanks to concentrated conservation efforts since then, numbers are slowly rebounding. Currently there are around 400 registered American Creams, though fewer than 100 breeding stallions. Population growth remains steady and sustainable.
Conservation Efforts
The American Cream Draft Horse Association leads efforts to protect North America's only native draft horse. The non-profit organization maintains the breed registry, sponsors youth programs, hosts a National Show, and provides breed promotion and advertising.
ACDHA also offers registration fee discounts and incentives for young breeders. Several hundred American Cream admirers actively preserve the breed as owners, breeders, exhibitors, and spectators.
Uses and Applications of the American Cream Draft
While their population remains small, the American Cream Draft Horse serves various useful purposes for today's owners. They also have an interesting history performing farm work in the early 20th century.
Historical Uses
In the 1910s through the 1950s, American Cream Draft Horses were quite popular on small Midwestern farms. Their medium-sized frames provided adequate power for field work without requiring as much feed as the largest Belgian and Percheron teams. They worked as plow horses, haymakers, and haulers under harness.
A few American Creams were selected for upgrade programs during the 1930s replacement horse shortage. Their crossbreeding potential helped fill demand for quality work teams.
Modern Applications
Very few American Creams serve as active plow or hay horses on farms today. However, many work in sustainable logging operations due to their athleticism and intelligence.
They also make fine carriage horses thanks to their stylish presence and flashy color. American Creams stand out in parades, weddings, and other public appearances.
Harness Sport Horses
Many American Cream owners work their horses in the sport of combined driving. American Creams possess good stamina to complete lengthy marathon courses. At the same time, they have the precision to navigate technical obstacles.
In the show ring, American Creams compete well in harness classes designed to highlight their beauty and performance talents. At special breed shows hosted by ACDHA, hitches and riding horses compete together.
American Cream Draft Ownership Basics
For those captivated by their good looks and personable nature, American Cream Draft Horses can make outstanding companion animals. Here's what prospective owners should know about the breed's suitability and care requirements.
Good Matches for First-Time Draft Owners
The American Cream's medium size, gentle temperament, and willing attitude make them one of the best large horse breeds for first-time draft owners. Their laid-back dispositions mean they generally require little tolerance building with initial handling and training.
American Creams tend to act kind and patient toward their handlers. Unlike some draft breeds, they adapt well to new environments and stimuli. These horses aim to please, not overpower their humans.
Calm and Willing Demeanor
One of the top reasons the American Cream continues gaining popularity is its quiet and generous personality. They love spending time with people once they form bonds.
Even stallions and geldings typically behave mannerly rather than overly energetic or aggressive. This gentle behavior contributes to the breed's frequent use as a show mount.
Care and Housing Needs
While American Creams require less space, feed, and headroom than larger draft breeds, caring for their needs still demands significant commitment from owners. They should have roomy box stalls and access to pastures without rich grass that might cause obesity or laminitis.
Owners must commit ample time each day to feed, water, brush, hoof pick, and handle their horse. Farriers trim American Cream hooves every 6 to 8 weeks. Annual dental exams, vaccinations, and deworming are essential too.
Why American Creams Shine as Show Horses
When American Cream Draft Horses strut their stuff in the show ring, no one can take their eyes off them. Everything about this breed turns up the appeal factor for spectators and judges alike.
Spectator Appeal
Between their flashy cream coats and flashy white manes and tails, American Creams attract attention. Show crowds gather to admire working teams in harness classes.
The breed also garners interest from pleasure driving exhibitors and saddle seat competitors. Equestrians who have never heard of the rare American Cream make them a frequent conversation topic at competitions.
Show Ring Success
Not only do American Creams draw eyes in the arena, they reliably hold their own against other gorgeous show draft breeds like Clydesdales, Shires, and Friesians. American Cream hitch horses bring power and style.
In riding classes, they carry themselves with presence and action that accentuates their beauty. Judges frequently pin American Creams over common colors, even when those other horses boast better performance scores. This breed simply has an undefinable charm.
Finding American Cream Draft Horses
For those serious about owning or breeding American Creams, excellent resources exist to locate horses, breeders, shows, and educational materials related to this rare breed.
The American Cream Draft Horse Association
The American Cream Draft Horse Association serves as the official breed registry and membership organization in the United States. The ACDHA provides record keeping, DNA verification, show sponsorship, and produces educational publications.
Owners must register their horses to compete at approved shows or participate in incentive programs. The Association's website offers a breeder and sale horse directory to help prospective buyers find reputable sellers.
Joining the Association
Horse owners pay annual membership dues based on their involvement with American Creams. Youth, individual, family, and lifetime categories exist. All American Cream owners must join ACDHA to register their horses.
Members gain access topertinent newsletters and online groups for ongoing education. They also qualify for reduced registration rates and other ownership incentives.
Breed-Specific Shows
The American Cream Draft Horse Association directly sponsors a National Show each year in different locations around the Midwest. Breeders, owners, and admirers gather for fellowship and friendly competition.
Several affiliated state clubs also host local Cream Draft shows that serve as qualifiers for the National event. Attending shows allows newcomers to connect within the breed community.
Caring for American Creams
Proper daily and routine health care helps American Cream Draft Horses live comfortably and reach their longevity potential. Understanding basic management practices prepares new owners for success.
Diet and Feeding Considerations
The American Cream's moderate size compared to taller and heavier draft breeds means they eat slightly less poundage. However, their nutritional needs for vitamins, minerals, proteins, and calories differ little from other heavy horses.
Owners should feed a quality commercial grain blend formulated for draft breeds along with plenty of hay. Most American Creams maintain good body condition on just forage and a ration balancer without additional grain calories.
Health Care Essentials
All American Creams must undergo genetic testing to qualify for approved breeding stock registry. Testing ensures parentage verification and identifies carriers of serious heritable diseases like junctional epidermolysis bullosa.
In general, American Creams tend to be quite hardy, with few genetically linked conditions reported in the breed. Beyond the usual parasites, dental issues, lamenesses, and accidental injuries that affect all horses, additional health problems prove rare.
Exercise and Conditioning Routines
Even mature American Creams in light work programs require considerable daily activity to remain mentally and physically fit. Breeders advise giving them access to large pastures and paddocks as much as possible.
Their exercise regimen should include regular light harness work, ground driving, lunging, round pen free play, or riding several times a week. Hoof and leg health depends heavily on consistent locomotion and conditioning.
What the Future Holds for This Rare Breed
The American Cream Draft Horse continues progressing toward security, thanks to dedicated breeders and owners invested in their wellbeing. Ongoing efforts may increase population numbers and breed awareness over the next decades.
Expanded Breeding Programs
With just under 100 breeding stallions available, American Cream preservation relies on genetic variety within that limited gene pool. Expanding breeding stallion and mare enrollment allows more lineage flexibility.
Breeders hope more draft horse fans will import new bloodlines from Canada. Continuing incentive programs through ACDHA encourage new breeders to produce more high-quality foals annually.
Increasing Community Involvement
The tight-knit American Cream community plays a huge role in protecting the breed they cherish. Expanding Association membership, show participation, breed advertisements, and youth mentoring all promote breed growth.
Hosting Cream Draft activities at all-breed events will further increase public exposure. The more horse owners know and appreciate this rare breed, the more likely its continued survival.
Why the Rare American Cream Deserves Devotion
For North American draft horse lovers, no breed stirs quite the same passion as the beautiful and charismatic American Cream Draft. Their rarity and exclusivity add to the appeal and admiration they draw from owners, breeders, exhibitors, and spectators alike.
Yet beyond the flashy cream coat lies a willing, honest, and amiable disposition making the American Cream a pleasure to work with and be around. Protecting and perpetuating this horse remains important so future generations can enjoy their many merits.
TL;DR: Quick Facts
- The American Cream Draft Horse traces to an early 1900s Iowa mare known as Old Granny and her champagne gene.
- Foundation sire Nelson's Buck, one of Old Granny's grandsons, established the breed type and color.
- By 1944 a breed registry formed, and Iowa recognized American Creams officially in 1950.
- Population peaked around 1,000 then dipped dangerously low before rebounding to 400 today.
- Their trademark cream coat, pink skin, amber eyes, and white mane and tail makes them iconic.
- American Creams work well for light draft uses and stand out in harness competitions.
- Calm, gentle temperaments suit them for first-time draft owners and leisure riding.
- With fewer than 100 breeding stallions, preservation requires dedicated breeders and owners to maintain genetic diversity.
10 Key Questions About the Rare American Cream Draft Horse
The American Cream Draft Horse fascinates many draft horse enthusiasts with their creamy coats and amber eyes. But newcomers to the breed often have lingering questions. Here are answers to some most frequently asked topics regarding these gentle giants.
Where Did American Creams Originate?
The beginnings of the American Cream breed traces to an early 20th-century Iowa mare called "Old Granny." She passed on rare champagne genes that created her own unique color. Her cream-colored foals then founded the American Cream bloodlines when bred to various draft stallions over successive generations.
By 1944 a dedicated group of breeders formed the American Cream Horse Association which later became the American Cream Draft Horse Association as the breed type was solidified. Their status gained formal recognition in 1950 by the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
Why Are They Called American "Creams"?
The most obvious namesake for this all-American draft horse is its distinctive cream coat ranging from pale ivory to rich golden champagne. They also have striking pink skin and white manes and tails. These characteristics come from rare genetic cream dilution factors carried by Old Granny.
Another signature feature is their amber-colored eyes that glow reddish in sunlight. No other draft horse shares the American Cream's total phenotype.
What Makes Them Different From Other Draft Breeds?
American Creams are smaller than the traditional Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron, and Shire draft breeds that often stand over 17 hands tall. Most mature American Cream mares measure between 15 and 16.3 hands and stallions around 16 to 17 hands. So they are better suited to owners of more moderate stature.
These horses also have exceptionally kind and willing temperaments - eager to cooperate and bond closely with their people. Their laid-back attitudes contrast to some high-strung draft breeds requiring experienced handling. For all these reasons, American Creams make excellent starter draft horses.
Why Were American Creams Almost Extinct?
Like most working horse breeds, American Cream numbers declined sharply during the 1960s-70s agricultural transition from animal power to tractor mechanization. But what almost doomed the breed was how few breeding stallions remained - under 20 by the 1970s.
Only through the dedication of a handful of Amish breeders who continued driving draft teams did any American Creams survive at all. At one point less than 150 total horses remained before focused conservation efforts rebounded their population.
How Many American Creams Exist Today?
Current estimates count near 400 registered American Creams in the United States and Canada. However only around 100 active breeding stallions help grow that population through new foals. Many mares and geldings are companion-only animals.
While still critically endangered, their numbers rise steadily each year thanks to preservation initiatives spearheaded by the American Cream Draft Horse Association (ACDHA). Expanding the genetic pool remains an ongoing priority.
What Jobs Do American Creams Perform?
In the early 1900s, American Creams were quite popular on small Midwestern farms as plow horses, haymakers, and driving teams. Some even upgraded other draft breeds through selective crossbreeding programs.
Today most American Creams serve as show horses, parade mounts, and hobby driving ponies. Their flashy beauty and gentle temperaments suit them well for leisure activities with owners. However, a number work successfully in sustainable logging operations.
Are American Creams Easykeepers?
While American Creams eat slightly less than huge draft breeds, they still require high-quality hay and grains equivalent to most light horse rations. Because they are prone to obesity and metabolic issues if overfed, owners must strictly monitor their diet and exercise.
These horses demand vigilant care including hoof trimming every 6-8 weeks. Annual dental, vaccination, and deworming care is essential too. Plus they need strict daily attention to their overall welfare - not an easykeeper breed.
What Health Issues Do American Creams Have?
Thanks to dedicated breeders, no serious genetically linked conditions currently affect American Creams. However, their limited gene pool makes diversity a priority. All prospective breeding stallions and mares must undergo testing to qualify for registry.
In general American Creams are hardy and robust when properly managed. They are not inherently prone to laminitis, colic, respiratory issues, or laryngeal disorders as some draft breeds can be. Following correct nutrition and conditioning practices keeps most individuals healthy.
Where Can I Buy an American Cream Draft Horse?
The American Cream Draft Horse Association provides an online sale horse directory to connect prospective buyers with reputable breeders. Members also list sale ads in the Association newsletter and website. Attending annual Association-sponsored shows allows in-person contact with owners and breeders as well.
Of course, confirming any seller tests breeding stock for genetic issues remains important for the welfare of the breed. Working through ACDHA channels ensures professional transactions.
How Can I Learn More About American Creams?
The American Cream Draft Horse Association serves as the best education resource online and through its publications for breed-specific ownership materials. Youth programs, show opportunities, and networking events allow hands-on mentoring relationships with experienced breeders.
Owning this rare breed comes with responsibility to properly manage their care, training, breeding, and records. But most American Cream devotees find that only enhances the appeal of the horses they love.
Conclusion
The American Cream Draft Horse holds special allure for many draft horse lovers. Getting involved with ownership or breeding allows unique personal connection protecting a piece of living history. But newcomers must educate themselves thoroughly on the breed's background, temperament, and needs.
For those captivated by their beauty and personality, American Creams prove a worthy commitment as show horses, drivers, pleasure mounts, or pets. Learning more about their origin, characteristics, and current status makes clear why this rare cream-colored breed deserves preserving.