Developed in North America from Brabant stock, they were bred to be an all-round farm horse. Today, The Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America remains the largest register for draft horses in America, according to Michelle Keaffaber, Belgian Draft Horse Corporation chief operating officer.

“Our office process approximately 3,500 registrations and 3,000 transfers per year, which has been consistent for the past five years,” says Keaffaber.

Belgian Horse Events and Highlights

The Corporation includes the Belgian Draft Horse Alliance, whose mission is to help foster continuous growth of the Belgian Draft Horse with programs, including a Hall of Fame, Merit program and a National Belgian Futurity and show.

The Belgian Expo is held annually on the second Saturday in July, rotating between Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania. The National Belgian Show, happening the third week in August, celebrated its 101st year in 2023.

To promote youth involvement, the Corporation also has youth ambassadors that receive yearly training in social media conduct and how to run the Corporation booth at shows and sales. They also offer a Youth Merit Program and college scholarships.

The breed seems to enjoying a bit of a renaissance, with a 3-year-old Belgian gelding named Pleasant Country Supersonic selling for $137,500 at the Mid-America Draft horse Sale in February 2023, setting a world record.

The Belgian as a Therapy Horse

Danielle Scott of Stewartstown, Pa., has a passion for community service, so she decided to travel to assisted living facilities with therapy horses. But not just any therapy horses: Her team includes a 30-year-old Belgian Draft Horse named Clyde and a 20-year-old Belgian Draft mule named Everett.

Scott adopted Clyde from Gentle Giants Horse Rescue. Originally, her two equines were just family pets.

“But they both enjoy spreading this type of joy,” she says. “And getting snacks and scratches is good, too! Clyde was a plow horse for 28 years. He’s known nothing but being a hard worker, and he has no desire to quit. He’s a prideful horse, and I think he loves living his life with purpose.”

While such a large therapy horse may seem strange, Scott says it works well.

“Belgians are incredibly sensitive and sweet-natured,” she explains. “I think they really connect with the elderly. They are so patient, even when pats are heavy, and they take treats so gently, especially when hands can’t straighten all the way out to hold flat.”

Scott says hearing the people they visit talk about the horses and get excited is a huge reward. One woman with dementia started sharing stories of horses she used to ride. And a World War II vet told her about the horses they used during the war.

Clyde, a retired Amish plow horse, also does paper chases and shows. Paper chases are where riders follow a trail and are judged on obstacles and tasks along the route.

Preserving Their Past

Meanwhile, Brent Brophy from Arcadia, Mich., still uses Belgian Draft Horses for logging. He has been using them for six years, and currently has three on his team.

“Horses are a lot more environmentally friendly than machines,” he says of why he still logs the old-fashioned way.

“I have the big pulling-bred Belgians,” says Scott. “I chose them because of their size and attitude toward work. They love it.”

Like Scott, Brophy has found the Belgian to be a happy worker, enjoying whatever job they are doing. And these are no small pullers: Brophy’s large boy is 19.1 hands and weighs 2,780 pounds. His others are 19.2 and 18.2 hands.

Key Takeaway

While the breed may have been developed out of necessity for the early American farmer, it has become a whole lot more. Whether pulling logs, providing therapy, enjoying a trail ride, running barrels at a fair or stepping out in front of a cart, one thing is for sure: the Belgian Draft Horse does it all willingly and sweetly. If you’re looking for something with lots of power, don’t let their size frighten you from giving them a try.

This article about the Belgian Draft Horse appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post All About the Belgian Draft Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Shire

First up is the Shire, a breed that truly deserves the title of the biggest horse. Hailing from England, these majestic giants typically stand between 16 and 18 hands, with some exceptional individuals soaring past the 19-hand mark. Known for their gentle disposition and incredible strength, Shires were historically used for heavy draft work. Today, many Shires play vital roles in therapeutic programs, proving that the biggest horses can also have the largest hearts.

Clydesdale

Next on our list is the iconic Clydesdale. When most people think of the biggest horses, these Scottish beauties come to mind. Standing between 16 and 18 hands tall, their distinct bay coats, white markings, and feathered legs make them easily recognizable. Originally bred for agricultural work, Clydesdales have become cultural icons, especially through their famous association with Budweiser.

Belgian

Among the biggest horses, the Belgian is another standout. Typically measuring between 16 and 17 hands tall, these muscular horses were bred for farm work and are known for their calm demeanor. Often weighing in at over 2,000 pounds, they embody the term “gentle giant” and make wonderful family companions as well as hard-working farmhands.

Percheron

Bringing a touch of elegance to the list, the Percheron is a French breed that generally stands between 16 and 18 hands tall and can weigh up to an astounding 2,600 pounds. Known for their versatility, Percherons excel in various disciplines, from draft work to riding. Their calm nature and strong build make them favorites among horse enthusiasts looking for a reliable partner.

Suffolk Punch

Don’t let its lesser-known status fool you, the Suffolk Punch is a true giant among the biggest horses. Typically standing between 16 and 17 hands, these sturdy, chestnut beauties are recognized for their heavy build and friendly demeanor. Originally bred for agricultural work, they shine in various equestrian activities today, showcasing their remarkable strength and adaptability.

Boulonnais

Meet the Boulonnais, a hidden gem in the world of big horses. This French breed, often called the White Marble Horse, stands between 15 and 17 hands and is known for its agility and strength. While they may not be as widely recognized, their impressive size and versatile capabilities make them extremely valuable to any equestrian program.

Australian Draught

The Australian Draught is a versatile breed that stands between 16 and 17.2 hands tall.  Originally developed for heavy draft work, this draft evolved from crossbreeding four of the above breeds—the Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron and Suffolk Punch—after those horses were imported into Australia. To this day, these sturdy horses are recognized for their adaptability and excellent temperament.

Brabant

Renowned for its immense strength and solid build, the Brabant is a significant contender among the largest horse breeds. Typically measuring between 15.2 and 17 hands tall, this Belgian breed is not only notable for its size but also for its gentle temperament and versatility in various equestrian activities.

American Cream Draft

While the American Cream Draft may not be the tallest breed on our list, it is among the biggest in terms of weight and overall build. Typically standing between 15 and 16.3 hands high and weighing between 1,600 and 1,800 pounds, these horses are cherished for their impressive strength and distinctive creamy coat. Originating in the United States, the American Cream Draft is known for its gentle temperament, making them ideal companions for families and suitable for various work and leisure activities.

Jutland

Finally, we have the Jutland, named for the Jutland Peninsula in the breed’s home country of Denmark. Typically chestnut in color, the Jutland only stands between 15 and 16.1 hands high but is so powerfully muscular that the breed weights anywhere from 1,400 and 1,860 pounds. Originally used for hauling brewery wagons, these big horses are known for a gentle, willing temperament.

The Legacy of the Biggest Horses in the World

From the majestic Shire to the iconic Clydesdale, each horse on this list has carved out significant roles in agriculture, sport, and companionship. These giants remind us that horses, regardless of size, share a common bond with humans. They are not just athletes, but partners in life. As the equine world continues to grow, the legacy of these biggest horses will endure, inspiring future generations of horse lovers and riders.

This article about the biggest horse breeds in the world is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Bred for farm work and heavy carriage deliveries, Belgium’s native Belgian draft horse is more commonly seen in show and recreational pursuits today: weight-pulling competitions, in-hand performance or carriage driving. However, some agriculturalists are returning to horses like the Belgian as a more ecologically friendly method of cultivation.

The Belgian is a descendant of a medieval war mount, the Flemish horse, also known as the Great Horse. Later, stallions were exported to countries throughout Europe to add height and substance to other draft-type breeds for industrial and farm work.

American Story

The United States imported the first Belgians in the 1860s, and the Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses was established in 1887 to promote the breed. The Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America grew from this organization in 1937 and remains the registry for the breed today.

In 1903, the Belgian’s powerful look and skills garnered much positive attention at the St. Louis World’s Fair and International Livestock Exposition in Chicago. Despite declines in numbers during World War II and the switch to mechanized farm equipment, the Belgian survived to become one of most popular draft breeds. Besides their strength, Belgians are loved for being docile, hard-working and hardy.

Belgian Draft Horse Fast Facts

Height: 16 to 18 hands high

Weight: Belgians can weigh more than 1 ton (2,000 pounds).

Color: Acceptable colors include blonde, sorrel and roan with light points, and chestnut. White manes and tails, as well as a white stripe on the face, are preferred.

Overall Appearance: Belgians have well-defined musculature, a level back, large hooves and a deep girth.

To learn more about the Belgian, visit the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America website.

Further Reading:
The 10 Biggest Horses: Giants of the Equine World

This article about the Belgian draft horse originally appeared in the December 2017 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Although machines have mostly replaced horsepower, draft horses are still valued and admired today. They are imposing, usually standing over 16 hands high. These heavy horse breeds feature massive bone, large hooves, and incredible strength.
Along with these powerful physical characteristics, draft horses have another quality in abundance: gentleness, which is another reason they have been beloved family horses for generations.

Let’s meet six fabulous draft breeds!

Belgian

We all know draft horses are impressive in size, but one towers above the rest. Big Jake, a Belgian gelding who stands just under 21 hands high, currently holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest living horse.

Belgians have earned a reputation for being gentle giants thanks to their kind dispositions and imposing size. They originally came from Belgium, and they’ve been used as farm horses in the United States since the early part of the 20th century. They are easily recognized by their chestnut coloring and flaxen manes and tails.

Clydesdale

If you’ve ever tuned in to watch a Super Bowl game, then you’ve seen the beautiful (and oh-so-famous) Budweiser Clydesdales. They have been a staple of Super Bowl commercials for many years, and the horses draw crowds at appearances all across the country.

Clydesdales originally came from Scotland in an area called Clyde (hence the name). The breed is known for its eye-catching appearance: usually bay, brown, or black, with extensive white markings that include tall stockings and wide blazes.

Shire

The word “shire” means county, and England is dotted with places like Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Hertfordshire. England is also the birthplace of shires of another kind: Shire horses.

Shires are tall—over 16.2 hands—and are found in bay, brown, black, gray, and occasionally chestnut. But while extravagant white markings are desirable in Clydesdales, they aren’t considered ideal in Shires.

While Big Jake the Belgian may hold the record for the tallest living horse, a Shire horse named Sampson (born in 1846) still holds the distinction of being the tallest horse ever recorded, at 21.2 1⁄2 hands high—that’s 7 feet, 2 1⁄2 inches at the withers!

Percheron

The Percheron is a French breed (its name comes from the La Perche region of France), and it’s usually black or gray. Their versatility and strength make them a top choice of draft enthusiasts. The Percheron is said to have been influenced by the Arabian at some point in its history.

Percherons have been a very popular draft breed in the United States since the late 1800s.

American Cream Draft

An American breed, the American Cream Draft was developed in Iowa during the first half of the 20th century. The American Cream Draft Horse Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and the breed had its moment in the spotlight when a team of American Cream Drafts proudly participated in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2019.

As you might also guess from the name, American Cream Drafts are cream-colored (technically the color is called “champagne”), with pink skin and amber-colored eyes. The foundation of the breed was a cream-colored draft-type mare named Old Granny, and in 1946 it was estimated that 98 percent of registered American Cream Drafts traced their lineage to her. These horses are quite rare, with less than 400 registered, but efforts are underway to increase awareness for this fascinating breed.

Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch has a long history in England, where it was developed as a reliable horse for farm work. The breed is still prized today for its quiet temperament and hardy nature.

In appearance, Suffolk Punch horses are a bit more compact than some of
the other draft breeds. They are always chestnut (or chesnut to the registry, who spells the color without a “t”) with minimal white markings, although the exact shade of chestnut varies depending on the individual.

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about draft horses! With their fascinating histories, record-setting size, and kind hearts, draft horses are truly awesome individuals.

This article about various draft horse breeds originally appeared in the September/October 2019 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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