In general, you need 2–4 acres per horse if you want them to be out all the time and not overgraze a pasture. Most farm owners don't have this much space, but with more intensive grazing management, you can maintain horses on fewer acres and still have great pastures.

While a draft horse who receives plenty of exercise, whether through turn-out or work, will be content with a traditional twelve foot by twelve foot stall, if your horse spends much of his time indoors, he'll want a little extra space. Fourteen by fourteen feet is considered a good expansion for larger horses.

These horses have heavy conformations, with thick bones and muscular builds. Their shoulders are more upright than riding horses, which is more suitable for pulling. Their hindquarters are powerful and well-muscled. Most drafts have large heads with straight or convex profiles.

Draft breeds range from approximately 163 to 193 cm (16 to 19 hands) high and from 640 to 910 kg (1,400 to 2,000 lb).