Intro
Also known as Vlaams Paard and Cheval Flamand, the Flemish Horse is a breed of heavy draft that comes from Flanders, or the northern part of modern Belgium. In an effort to conserve their bloodlines the studbook for this breed was merged into the Belgian Draft breed.
Origins
This breed has a long and distinguished European history, dating back to the 17th century. Originally bred big and strong to haul heavy loads and plow fields, they have a robust foundation. Many of the European drafts likely contain a trace of Flemish blood, most notably the Clydesdale which has retained some of the original characteristics including height and color. They do tend to be taller and leggier than the Belgian Draft.
Amish to the Rescue
Interestingly enough, there has been a recent attempt to regenerate the original Flemish bloodlines and it comes from an unlikely source, the Amish (although we can’t find any information to support this). According to the DAD-IS, as of 2019 there were between 31-70 animals left in the breed.
Name Confusion
Not to be confused with the South African Vlampaard, which is also locally called the Flemish Horse. For this breed, Flemish horse refers to their Frisian horse influence.
Features
Average height 15-17 hands
Physique
Strong build
Powerful hindquarters
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Calm and true
Easy to handle
Use
Show horse
Agriculture