{"id":264,"date":"2010-08-09T00:30:11","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T00:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=264"},"modified":"2025-10-29T00:11:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T00:11:15","slug":"belgian-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/belgian-draft","title":{"rendered":"Belgian Draft Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Also known as the Belgian Heavy Horse, Braban\u00e7on 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.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Until the beginning of the 20th century there were three types, although they varied little in conformation.
\nThe Big Horse of the Dendre
\nThe Colossal Horse of Mehaigne
\nThe Grey Horse of Nivelles<\/p>\n

Modern Belgian Draft<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> with a flaxen<\/a> mane and tail.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

From 15.3 – 17.3 hands
\nBuilt solid for hard work
\nExceptionally strong and hardworking<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is light and square, profile is straight or slightly concave
\nNeck is short and muscular
\nBack is short and broad
\nBody is deep and short
\nLegs are strong, lean and sound with some feathering<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors:<\/h3>\n

Chestnut<\/a> (often displaying the Mealy \/ Pangare gene<\/a>)
\nRoan<\/a> | black<\/a> | bay<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Docile and willing<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Still used for agricultural work
\nAgriculture work
\nShow horse
\nDraft competitions
\nPleasure horse
\nWagon horses
\nMeat<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

* All links open in a new window<\/small>
\nSoci\u00e9t\u00e9 Royale Le Cheval de Trait Belge<\/a>
\nBelgian Draft Horse Corporation of America<\/a>
\nCanadian Belgian Horse Association<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Belgian\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Belgian\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\"Belgian\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Belgian\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n