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The American Cream Draft Horse, the only draft horse breed native to the United States, which originated in Hamilton, Hardin and Story Counties, will be the subject of a breed spotlight at the Iowa State Fair's Jacobsen Arena, at 6 p.m. Sunday, August 16. The horses will also be on display in the Avenue of Breeds for the entire run of the fair, August 13-23.
The Avenue of Breeds showcases 64 breeds, including traditional farm animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, as well as elk, llamas and yaks, all of which have become marketable as meat, show, dairy, guard, and breeding stock, in recent decades. The American Cream Draft Horses are appearing on the Avenue for the first time.
The Avenue of Breeds was founded in 1976, by State Fair Livestock Superintendent Terry Jaschke. It was originally housed in the cattle barn, moving later to the swine barn. As the Avenue grew in size, it warranted a separate building. Today, it's near gate #9, at the fair's southwest entrance, west of the 4H building. It opens at 9 a.m., and remains open until 8 p.m. daily.
The story of American Cream draft horses began in the early years of the 20th century. The breed is based on the genetics of Old Granny, a cream-colored mare, born between 1890-1905. Her offspring were consistently cream-colored, of medium build, with pink skin, amber or hazel eyes, and exhibited a notably gentle, willing disposition.
The American Cream Draft Horse Association was founded in Iowa in 1944, when the registry of horses began. It was interrupted for a number of years, but was reinstated in 1982. Since then, the breed's numbers have grown, but it remains classified as "rare," by the Livestock Conservancy. It is hoped exposure of the breed at this year's fair will bring it to the attention of more potential owners, most of whom keep the horses for recreation, show or breeding.
Maggie Lupkes, who hopes to start a large-animal vet practice somewhere in northeast Iowa, calls the American Cream breed "a piece of Iowa history." Lupkes was raised around American Creams on her family's farm near Waterloo.
Today, she's a junior in the College of Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Missouri. Her horses, Goldie, a mare, and her foal, Betsy, will be featured in the breed spotlight mentioned above. Another pair of horses, also a mare and foal, owned by Tony Stalzer and Butch Sowers of Colo, will appear in the Avenue of Breeds.
Along with a small group of breeders, members of the American Cream Draft Horse Association, and state senator Annette Sweeney of Iowa Falls, Lupkes has been trying to persuade the state Legislature to name the American Cream Iowa's official state horse. They plan to continue that work in next year's legislative session.