Belgian Horse

Image by Artheos from Pixabay

History of the Belgian horse also known as the Brabant

The Belgian Draft horse is considered an ancient breed. They are said to have been a Destrier (War horse in the Medieval times that carried Knights). How cool is that. It's no surprise that the main breeding area for the Belgian Draft horse was in Belgium as the name says it all.  Although they do look different then the Belgian Draft horses you will see in America.

The American Belgian Draft Horse

Image by Bernell MacDonald from Pixabay

The American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses started in 1887. Belgians that were imported had coat colors of bays, browns, red roan, blue roans, grey and blacks. They were really thick, had straight shoulders and round boned. Due to World War II importations stopped but Americans had enough Belgian horses to breed their own. Americans preferred the Sorrels and Red Roans. The American Belgian resulted in a not as big, flashier red-brown horse with blond mane and tails, white legs and white marking on its face. Belgian Draft horses outnumber all the draft breeds in America today.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength 

  Philippians 4:13

Characteristics

  • Height- 16.2hh - 18hh
  • Weight- 1,800lbs - 2,400lbs
  • Color- Red Roan, Chestnut and Sorrel, Bay, Dun and Grey
  • Life Span- 20 yrs 


WHY ARE THEY SO POPULAR?

Image by Jessica Rockeman from Pixabay

Belgian Draft horses have short necks, strong shoulders, short legs and HUGE hindquarters. They are very kind in nature, willing to work and easy keepers.  These characteristics make them a great working horse. You can find them working on farms helping out with plowing, logging, pulling carriages, hitches and sleighs. 




Image by Linzmeier1 from Pixabay


They are also a great show horse. They perform in halter shows, horse pulls and plowing competitions as well as  hitch and riding. 


rECORDS

  • A team of two horses in the Heavyweight class pulled 17,000 pounds!
  • The Tallest Horse in the world is a Belgian horse named Big Jake. His record height is 20.2 3⁄4 hands high.
  • The Heaviest Belgian was a Red Roan stallion named Brooklyn Supreme weighing in at 3,200lbs!  

It's no wonder the Belgian Draft horse is the most popular draft horse in the United States. They are stunning to look at while pulling a carriage and powerful enough to be an important efficient  member of the farm.