With the industrialization of farming, a few breeds of livestock have been standardized for maximum productivity. This expansive growth of the few breeds resulted in the critical endangerment of many other breeds, with several becoming extinct. These pre-industrial breeds, known as heritage breeds, possess a priceless genetic diversity that can help farmers, and society at large, adapt to variable conditions, ranging from new consumer tastes to varied landscapes.

If there ever was a breed to appear at the most inopportune time, it would have to be America's own draft horse. This little-known, little-seen breed has been struggling to survive amid the mechanization of our modern times. The American Cream had the great misfortune of coming on the scene during the greatest decline in heavy horse use in history.

Not unlike the Morgan Horse, Tennessee Walker, American Albino, and others that have sprung up from one horse with predominate traits, likewise the American's history can be traced back early in the 20th century to one mare of draft breeding whose foals consistently resembled their dam in color and type.

Breeders at the time crossed with other draft breeds to refine body type and quality, while retaining the remarkable quality of color the mare passed on. Not unlike other draft breeds, keeping exacting color restrictions has been important. It is also interesting to note that when a Cream is crossed with a Chestnut, three out of four times you will foal a Cream. according to "Equine Genetics and Selection Procedures" by Dr. Wagoner.

What does an American Cream look like? This horse can be placed in the medium-to-medium-heavy draft description, with horses ranging from 1,600 lbs. to 1,800 lbs. A stallion can occasionally reach 2,000 lbs., but this is rare. They have ample draft hindquarters, a well-muscled chest, and short strong legs. They are well proportioned, not leggy like the Clydesdale or Shire. Their body build and type is comparable to the Suffolk. They range in height from 15-2 to 16-2 hands.

The American Cream Draft Horse Association describes this breed as a pleasure to work with due to their good disposition.

The breed is characterized by a cream-colored coat; white mane and tail, white on the face and the hairs of the body are a uniform yellow color, unlike the Belgian's coat of many-colored hairs. They have long flowing manes and tails. The distinction that really sets them apart is their predominate pink skin and amber eyes.

In approximately 1935, a concerted effort was made to get a breed distinction for these horses. At this time. inbreeding and line breeding was done to establish the breed. By 1950 they were recognized by The National Stallion Enrollment Board, and in 1944 the registry was recognized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. It has been noted that these horses were also crossed with other draft breeds: the Percheron, Shire, and Belgian being mentioned.