As with many infrequent breeds, much history has been lost with the American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft. Although the breed is believed to have originated in the 1950s, it is actually a relatively novel breed, developed in the 1990s, with the very first breed being conceived through artificial insemination.
Everett Smith purchased his very first registered Percherons in 1980, expanding his Thoroughbred program and using his supplies for his carriage business, the Sugarbush Hitch Co. In 1997, he met Mike Muir, who was working on breeding a heavier cross between an Appaloosa and a Percheron that he called the “Stonewall Sport Horse.” Smith was quite impressed by these brightly colored draft horses, and his own dream of a similar but full-fledged draft horse became his novel passion.
The next year, his Percheron mare Sugarbush Felina Del Noche was bred to Muir's newborn leopard Stonewall stallion Stonewall Rascal through shipped semen. In 1999, Sugarbush Harley Quinne was born, a 7/8 Percheron with a striking leopard pattern, the very first Sugarbush Harlequin Draft. In fact, all Sugarbush Harlequin Drafts of the founder line can trace their lineage back to one of four horses: Stonewall Rascal, Sugarbush Felina Del Noche, Stonewall Domino or Sugarbush Harley Quinne.
The Sugarbush Harlequin Draft is not a “designer breed.” Both parents must be recognized by the ASHDA, which means they must meet strict conformation and genetic requirements. The number of improvement horses at the ASHDA that have gained breeding rights by meeting a number of requirements is very petite. For example, Friesians are no longer accepted as recognized crosses or improvement horses because the genetic problems are coming to delicate more and more and their parent registry considers them to be warmbloods rather than coldbloods.
Despite rumors of a falling out between Smith and Muir, the two reportedly have great respect for each other and have used horses from each other's programs in their own breeding operations. The Stonewall Stud Book is still blossoming and a highly valued sister registry to the ASHDA. Both Muir and Smith have been inducted into the ASHDA Hall of Fame.
Characteristics
The Sugarbush Harlequin Draft is knowledgeable, well-built and eye-catching, with attractive movement, a good disposition, agile and versatile. He stands 15.2 to 17 and any base color is acceptable, with a convoluted leopard pattern or features preferred but not required. Solid colors are acceptable, but pinto-like or excessive white markings are prohibited.
The body should be broad and deep, with a robust back, muscular loins and rounded hips. The head should be robust and not too petite, with a flat or slightly convex profile. The eyes should be enormous, well placed and affable in expression. The leg feathers are not as robust or long as in other draft breeds; the hooves should be enormous and the feet sound and intact.
Application
The American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft is an excellent all-rounder for riding and showing English or Western horses, for driving, fox hunting, packing, parades and exhibitions or can be used as a therapy horse.
For more information, see:
The American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft Association
