Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg VA
2021

Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum and private foundation presenting a part of the historic district in the city of Williamsburg, Virginia.

https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/rare-breeds/

Founded in 1986, Colonial Williamsburg’s Rare Breeds program helps promote genetic diversity in livestock that research shows thrived in 18th-century colonial British America. Cared for by the Coach & Livestock department, horses, oxen, sheep, and fowl contribute to the living history museum in many of the same ways they would have contributed to the colonial capital: as workhorses and oxen pulling carts, wagons, and carriages; and providing wool, eggs, milk, and manure for trades throughout the city. While these animals complement our living history by day, portraying another aspect of daily life in colonial Virginia, they are cared for with the latest in modern technology, medicine, and facilities.

The Coach & Livestock team acquires, husbands, and preserves these rare breeds that were common in the 18th century but now are threatened or endangered. Rare is specifically defined as having fewer than 1,000 animals registered annually in North America. The Foundation's menagerie of animals contributes to the preservation of breeds including the Leicester Longwool sheep, Cleveland Bay horses, and America Milking Red Devons, which have fewer than 200 animals registered annually in North America.

The only modern breed in the program is also the rarest – fewer than 200 are registered each year. American Cream Draft horses are the only breed of draft horse originating from the United States. Breed characteristics include a medium cream-colored coat, pink skin, amber eyes, long, white mane and tail, and white markings. These horses mature late at five years old and have an excellent temperament. Mares stand from 15 to 16 hands and weigh 1,500 to 1,600 pounds. Males stand 16 to 16.3 hands and weigh 1,800 pounds and up.