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The American Cream, which dates back to 1911, is the only draft
horse breed that originated in the United States. These hardworking
animals were developed to do work on farms, and began to disappear
from this country with the advent of tractors. The American Cream
draft horse is now critically endangered.
With their buttermilk to rich gold color, white markings, and
white or flaxen manes or tails, these horses are a beauty to behold.
They are also extremely strong workers. At the Minnesota Zoo's
Wells Fargo Family, our horses Duke and Prince earn their way
by pulling visitors in wagons out to the Wells Fargo Family Farm.
They also pull an antique farm wagon in Minnesota State Fair parades
and other local events throughout the year. Not surprisingly,
these splendid animals area very popular with Zoo visitors.
American Cream draft horses continue to play a valuable role
on today's modern farm. These animals are superior to tractors
for logging and farm work on marginal land. They create less soil
compaction and cause less erosion in steep terrain, than modern
heavy machinery. This breed is also becoming popular with law
enforcement mounted patrols, where it is know as a calm and obedient
horse that works well in crowds.
In the United States, the population of American Cream draft
horses has been steadily climbing over the past ten years to a
current level of approximately 300 animals.
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