|
This heavy horse breed is rather
common in the United States: characterized by its familiar "blond" coat and
known by the recognizable name of the Belgian. During the Middle Ages, the
Belgian was known as the Flanders Horse, after the region in Europe from which
it originated. It had a great influence on the development of other draft horse
breeds, such as the Suffolk Punch, the Clydesdale, and even the Shire. As the
centuries passed by, Belgian horse breeders resisted the pressure to produce
lighter horses for cavalry use, and instead concentrated on breeding the
Brabant, or Belgian Heavy Draft, which was much more well suited to the climate
and the rich, heavy soil of the region. Because they refused to allow foreign
blood to enter the breed and through practicing selective breeding to promote
the desired qualities, the Belgian heavy Draft breeders were able to produce a
versatile, heavy draft horse the exhibits exceptional power and strength.
These horses are massive,
powerfully built, and usually stand between 16.2 and 17 hands. Their heads
are relatively small and well defined and have an intelligent expression.
The Belgians seen in the United States are not as large as the Brabant, but
still retain the accurate body proportions of said breed. Their bodies are
compact with a short, wide back, and powerful loins. Their hindquarters are
massive, with a characteristic "double muscling" over the croup. The gaskins
are heavily muscled, and their legs are short and strong. Their hooves are
medium size for a draft horse, and don't have very much feathering.
Most of the early Belgian
Draft horses were bay, although chestnut and sorrel and roan followed close
behind in popularity. Since the 1920's, however, breeders in the U.S. have
bred for the sorrel and roan colors. Today, these are by far the most common
colors of Belgian horses seen in the U.S.. The most prized and sought-after
color is the chestnut or sorrel with a white mane and tail, white stripe on
the face, and four white socks.
The Belgian is well known for
its kind temperament and ease with which they are handled. They are still
used today for all kinds of draft work, including plowing, logging, pulling
carriages, hitches, and sleighs. Also, they are becoming increasingly
popular as riding horses, in a variety of disciplines from western to
jumping.
Return to
Horse Breeds page
|
