The American Cream Draft Horse is the only draft horse breed native to the United States. Its roots go back to the 20th century and “Aged Granny,” a mare with the typical cream-colored coat, pink skin, and amber eyes of horses carrying the “champagne” gene. The original mare passed these traits and a coat color that became known as “champagne gold” to her offspring after being bred to Percheron and Belgian draft horses. Her great-great-grandson, Silver Lace, was considered the most eminent Cream stallion and had a significant influence on the state-of-the-art American Cream breed.
American Cream on tap. Photo by Bob Langrish
In 1944, the American Cream Horse of America Association was formed, and the breed was recognized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture in 1950. By 1957, 200 horses were registered, but after the death of the association's founder and top breeder, CT Rierson, his herd was disbanded. In addition, like many other draft horse breeds, the number of American Cream Horses continued to decline after machinery and tractors were introduced onto farms.
In 1982, several breeders reopened the stud books and reactivated the association with the goal of saving the breed. American Cream numbers have slowly started to escalate again, but are still tiny. Today, about 400 animals remain. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has classified them as “critically endangered” and the Equus Survival Trust classified the breed as critically endangered/nearly extinct in 2017.
Characteristics
The American Cream Horse has amber or hazel eyes, a cream-colored coat, pink skin that is prone to sunburn, and a white mane and tail. This breed typically stands between 15 and 16.3 hands high, with mares weighing 1600 to 1800 pounds and stallions and geldings weighing between 1800 and 2000 pounds.
Cream-colored horses have a typical cold-blooded tree with a broad chest, tiny and forceful back and well-muscled, powerful hindquarters.
Application
With their peaceful, willing nature, this breed is a good choice for inexperienced draft horse owners. American Cream Horses make stunning teams for shows and parades and also make excellent riding horses.
For more information:
American Cream Draft Horse Assoc.
American Cream on tap. Photo by Bob Langrish
