Information on the Belgian Draft Horse

Although there are hundreds of breeds of horses, draft horses have been developed to do the heavy lifting of farming and industrial activities. Those roles have been limited in modern times but not entirely eliminated. The Belgian draft horse was exported from Belgium during the 19th century and has become the most popular of the draft breeds, according to the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America.

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • Belgians are massive working horses. Belgians horses stand between 16 and 18 hands in height (a hand is equal to 4 inches) and can weigh between 1,800 and 2,000 lbs. The Belgian has a large head and strong, powerful hindquarters. Their legs are short with feathers. American Belgians have a level back with more styling to the head and neck.

    Other Attributes

    • American Belgian draft horses can be sorrel, blonde, roan, chestnut, or dapple, but European Belgians are traditionally black, gray, red roan, bay, or brown. The legs are often lighter colored than the rest of their bodies. White manes and tails are most preferred for American Belgians.

      Belgians have found tremendous popularity due to their good disposition. They are willing workers, active and bold. Belgians are easy keepers. The disposition is often described as amiable, according to Oklahoma State University.

    History

    • Belgians are the most direct descendants of the "Great Horse" of medieval times, the horses that carried armored knights into battle. The varied topography of Belgium led to the rise of the Belgian Draft Horse; big, strong horses were needed to work the heavy soil of the lowlands and along the docks, according to the International Museum of the Horse.

      The government of Belgium played an integral role in the development of the breed through the development of district shows and the national show in Brussels. Only horses judged to have proper conformation were eligible for government subsidies. The government believed the Belgian Draft Horse was a national treasure, according to the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America.

    Export

    • Belgian horses were exported across Europe and to America during the 19th century. The American association was founded in 1887 to monitor the import of Belgian horses and establish standards for the breed in America. Breed offices were set up in Wabash, Indiana, where they remain today. The Association changed its name in 1937 to the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America; registration reached 3,196 that year, a record that stood until 1980 when more than 4,000 Belgian horses were registered through the group.

    Uses

    • Today, Belgian horses are still used for their traditional purposes in agriculture and industry, although in limited capacity. Belgians are shown across the world in hitch and pulling competitions. Pulling classes showcase the horses' strength and power. They are also shown in halter competitions (a conformation class) and pleasure-riding classes.