Draft horses
A draft horse (or heavy horse) is a large horse bred for hard, 
heavy tasks such as ploughing and farm labour. Draft horses are versatile and are used in many different applications, including farming, showing, logging, and recreation. They are also commonly used for crossbreeding for the purpose of creating sport horses. While most heavy draft horses are used for driving, they can be ridden and some of the lighter draft breeds are very capable performers under saddle.
Below is a very short summary of each breed. For further information on any of the breeds, please click the link to read more.
Drum Horses
Whilst the Drum Horse was traditionally a job description, 
rather than a breed description, today, the Drum Horse combines the best of the Gypsy Cob, Clydesdale and Shire breeds, in any combination, such that it must be a minimum of 1/4 and no more than 3/4 Gypsy Cob. The product is a stunning large horse (over 16hh), with huge amounts of feather, heavy bone and an incredibly quiet temperament. Although the Drum Horse was traditionally piebald or skewbald in colour, it is not uncommon to see them solid in colour.
Clydesdales
Whilst the Clydesdale is an Australian icon, the breed originates 
in Scotland, where it was bred and developed over the last 300 years. It was bred for the purpose of heavy farm work, pulling carts and use in the timber industry pulling logs. During the 1800′s and early 1900′s, there were thousands of Clydesdales utilised in draught work. However, the Clydesdale fell victim to motorisation, disappearing from farms at a rapid rate. It has since regained some popularity, with many people breeding them for work, performance and leisure. Today, it is the symbol for Carlton Draught Beer.
Shires
The Shire is the largest of the modern heavy horses, 
typically reaching around 18hh. The breed origins can be traced back to the Great Horse, used in medieval times. It was for pulling heavy loads and heavy farm work. Like the Clydesdale, it was a victim of motorisation, but has since become a very popular breed in many parts of the world.
Gypsy Cobs
Whilst the Gypsy Cob is technically not a heavy horse, it carries many heavy horse characteristics like heavy bones and abundant feathering. The Gypsy Cob (also called Gypsy Vanner, Irish Cob or Tinker) traces its roots back to the Romany Gypsies, who had no need for the larger draft types. It is most commonly a pinto pattern (piebald or skewbald) and range in heights from 13 to 15.2hh at the shoulder. They are abundant in feathering and hair, with feathering starting at the knee and growing all over the bottom half of the leg to the hoof. They are known to have a very sweet nature, have excellent endurance and be quite versatile in use.