The Characteristics of Belgian Horses

The Belgian draft horse is the breed most closely associated with Belgium. In fact, it is often referred to as simply the Belgian or as the Belgian horse, belying the fact that there are a few other breeds, including the Brabant and Belgian warmblood that have emanated from the tiny European country. Most of the Belgium horse breeds share a common background and thus have some of the same characteristics, such as heavy bone structure and kind temperaments.

  1. Belgian Draft Horse

    • The Belgian draft horse is a big, very muscular and powerful breed. It is a direct descendant of the sturdy horses that would carry knights wearing heavy armor during medieval times. Although they can come in most colors, the preferred horses are either a chestnut or sorrel, and those having white manes and tails and plenty of trim -- white socks and markings on the face -- are even more desirable. The Belgian draft horse does not have feathering on its legs like many other draft breeds. This horse is a giant, usually standing 16 to 18 hands tall (each hand is four inches) and weighing about a ton. The Belgian draft horse is known for being an even-tempered and willing breed.

    Brabant Belgian

    • The Brabants are a variation of the Belgian draft horse and is the foundation stock for the American Belgian horse. Brabants are much thicker and heavier than the typical American Belgian and has thick feathering on its legs like a Clydesdale. It also has a shorter body than the American Belgian, as well as a shorter, thicker neck and a short head for its body. It is typically between 15.2 hands and 17 hands and is known for having a good disposition. It comes in a variety of colors, but are typically a blood bay or roan.

    Ardennes

    • The Ardennes, like the Belgian draft horse, was first developed and ridden by knights in medieval times. It is a slightly lighter horse than the Belgian draft horse and is also shorter, standing approximately 14.2 to 16 hands. During the 19th century, Arabian blood was introduced to the breed, which gave it endurance and also helped lighten its draft horse build. The Ardennes is usually a bay or roan in color. Black horses cannot be registered, and skewbald and piebald animals are undesirable. Like the Brabant, this breed has feathering on its legs. The Ardennes is known for its quiet and willing disposition.

    Belgian Warmblood

    • Warmbloods combine the strong bones, sturdiness and docile temperaments of the so-called coldblooded breeds -- such as draft and cavalry horses -- with the fire and refinement of the hotblooded breeds -- typically Arabians and thoroughbreds. Belgian warmbloods, which are known for their excellent jumping ability, are especially popular for use in three-day events, where horses must show their proficiency at dressage, show-ring jumping and over cross-country courses. For a horse to be included in the Belgian warmblood studbooks, a mare must be at least 15.1 hands, while a stallion must be at least 16 hands. This breed may be of any color.