Belgian Draft Horse

Intro

Also known as the Belgian Heavy Horse, Brabançon or Brabant and Belgian Draught, the Belgian Draft is one of the strongest draft breeds. This breed has also held the world record for tallest and largest horses in the world.

Origins

Belgian Drafts come from the Brabant region of what is now Belgium, where it is called the Cheval de trait belge, Belgisch Trekpaard, Brabants Trekpaard or Brabander. Said to be the most direct descendants of the “Great Horse” of medieval times, the Belgian Draft horse was the animal who carried knights onto the battlefield. Most draft breeds today carry a degree of Belgian lineage in their bloodlines.

Through the years, many of the purebred studs have been shown and exported to countries all over Europe to enhance draft bloodlines. The official studbook was established in 1886.

Until the beginning of the 20th century there were three types, although they varied little in confirmation.
The Big Horse of the Dendre
The Colossal Horse of Mehaigne
The Grey Horse of Nivelles

Modern Belgian Draft

The foundation of the Belgian Draft was the Brabant and until the end of WWII they were considered the same beed. After the war, the demand for draft horses declined and exports stopped. The Brabant in Europe was selectively bred to be squat and thick. The American bloodlines differ considerably, they are taller, more refined and are almost invariably chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.

Features

From 15.3 – 17.3 hands
Built solid for hard work
Exceptionally strong and hardworking

Physique

Head is light and square, profile is straight or slightly concave
Neck is short and muscular
Back is short and broad
Body is deep and short
Legs are strong, lean and sound with some feathering