The Belgian Draft is one of the most popular draft horses in the world.
They are known for their gentle temperament and ability to perform heavy work.
In this article, we will discuss the history, characteristics, and common uses of the Belgian Draft horse.
So, if you are interested in learning more about this breed, keep reading!
Belgian Draft Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Belgian Draft horse:
| Height (size) | 16.2 – 17.0 hands high |
| Colors | Bay is the most common color, but they can also be found in black and chestnut, with roan variations in bay, blue, and strawberry, while gray is exceedingly rare |
| Country of Origin | Belgium |
| Common Uses | Draft work, pleasure riding, showing, logging, sled pulling |
Belgian Draft Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Belgian Draft hails from the Brabant area of modern-day Belgium and is one of the most powerful heavy breeds.
Formal breeding of the Belgian draft horse began in Belgium in the 17th century.
Although there is no evidence to support this claim, some people believe this horse is descended from the great destriers of the Middle Ages who carried knights into battle.
Belgians are descended from a stock previously known as Brabant.
In the decades following World War II, selective breeding led to the Brabant being developed in Europe into a breed with a heavier and more robust body type, whereas in the United States, the Belgian was bred to be somewhat taller and lighter.
The main use was as a farm horse.
In 1886, the studbook was established, and ever since then, breeding has been methodically recorded.
The Belgian is the most common draft horse breed in the United States.
The world’s largest horse was a Belgian Draft named Big Jake, a gelding born in 2001.
He stood 20.2 3⁄4 hands high (82.75 inches, 210 cm).
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Belgian horse”
“Belgian Heavy Draft”
“The Belgian”
Temperament/Personality
Calm, gentle, kind, steady, easy-to-handle.
They are known to have a sense of humor.
Foals are very playful.
Physical Characteristics
They are very tall and have a massive stature.
They are well muscled, with powerful hindquarters, and a broad chest.
The back is short and wide, and the neck is thick.
The head is somewhat small compared to the rest of the body, and it has a clean, straight profile and a kind eye.
Like Friesian horses, the coat is often left feathered around the feet, and it’s not uncommon to see the tail trimmed short on horses that are used for regular carriage work.
They do especially well in cold climates, where they can usually live outside for most of the winter.
With a protective outer coat that absorbs rain and snow, the undercoat remains dry and keeps the horse comfortable even in tough weather conditions.
Colors
Bay is the most common color, but they can also be found in black and chestnut, with roan variations in bay, blue, and strawberry, while gray is exceedingly rare
Height (size)
16.2 – 17.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
Average 2,000 lb (900 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Draft work, pleasure riding, showing, logging, sled pulling
Health
They have a slow metabolism and a tendency to gain weight.
They are prone to mud fever or pastern dermatitis.
Belgians have a high occurrence of Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB), an inherited genetic disorder that causes newborn foals to lose large areas of skin and have other abnormalities, normally resulting in early euthanasia.
They have also been identified to be at risk for Chronic Progressive Lymphedema, a disease that includes symptoms of progressive swelling, hyperkeratosis and fibrosis of distal limbs.
Popular Traits
It is one of the strongest breeds in the world, and is able to pull tremendous weights.
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Belgium
Ancestors
Brabant