- Belgian Heavy Draft -

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.

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