Power of The Punch

The Suffolk horse is an English breed of draught horse, which is fondly known as the Suffolk Punch. Taking its name from the county of Suffolk and “Punch” from its strength and solid appearance, the Suffolk Punch is East Anglia’s only indigenous breed of heavy horse, and is the oldest breed of heavy horse in Great Britain. The breed dates back to at least the sixteenth century and all animals alive today can trace their male lines back to one stallion, a horse called Crisp’s Horse of Ufford, who was foaled in 1768.




Suffolks are always Chesnut in colour (spelt without the first “t”) in 7 different shades from dark to red to light. Mares are usually 16 – 16.2 hands (approx 65 inches/165cm) in height, and stallions 17 – 17.2 hands (about 70 inches/177cm) and weigh 2,000 – 2,200 lbs (900kg – 1,100kg). The Suffolk Punch was developed for agricultural work, rather than road haulage and so is generally more solid than other heavy horses, with shorter legs and bigger build. Although a stocky horse, the Suffolk moves very energetically and exhibits a real willingness to work. The Suffolk is a good “doer”, which means it converts energy well and for its size lives on relatively little food. The Suffolk Punch became a popular work horse due to its even temperament and its willingness to work. Before the 1^st world war there were 300,000 Suffolks but there are sadly now less than 400 breeding animals left in world. Suffolk Punches are rarer than the Giant Panda (approx 2,000 Giant Pandas left in the world) and the Suffolk Punch is on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s Watchlist as Category 1 Critically Endangered.

Only 9 Suffolks were born in 1966, and it was realised that the breed could become extinct. New breeders came to the rescue and the numbers of foals born began to rise. In 2008 the Suffolk Horse Society registered 42 pure-bred Suffolk foals – 19 colts and 23 fillies. As at 26 July 2009 42 foals have been registered – 24 colts and 18 fillies.

By giving Suffolk Punches a working purpose, breeders are helping to increase the numbers. On the Bunting & Sons farm we have 15 Suffolk Punches, all of which have a working purpose. Click here to see Our Suffolk Punches.

By using the horses in their traditional role we aim to demonstrate their historic role to present generations and draw attention to their plight. Our Suffolk Punches can often be seen working the land on the Heritage Farm adjoining the Anchor Inn at Nayland. The Suffolk Punch can do everything a tractor can – just a bit slower! We use the Suffolks to harrow, plough, roll and harvest oats using a traditional binder

Owned and managed by Bunting & Sons (Est 1820), Head Office: Westwood Park, London Road, Little Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4BS

Partners: SE Bunting, BJ Bunting, DP Bunting, KS Bunting, TW Bunting, HJ Bunting

Tel: 01206 272300, Fax 01206 273400