The Belgian Draught Horse

As the name implies. This breeds roots can be traced from Belgium. Medievil times saw the popularity of the “Flemish” horse, a large, black horse found in the centre of Western Europe. It is these horses that carried knights into battle wearing heavy armour. Out of necessity, the most powerful selection of this breed became “chargers” or “destriers”. Other draught breeds drew genetic material from this stock.  At the heart of this area, Belgium was established as a country. Stallions of the region were exported throughout parts of Europe, as the need grew for the larger stock horses to work in the industrial and agricultural settings. 

As Belgium was the supply upon which other countries depended for such large stock animals, all that was left was for the country to establish the breed and strengthen the genetic material already at hand. The government in Belgium set up district shows which helped in refining the breed, the winners of which would compete in the Brussels National Show. From those who showed in the national, the finest were chosen by the country’s inspection committees to stand as stallions for public service. These efforts resulted in a substancial improvement of the fixed breed type, and the Belgian horse became a national treasure. 

When the Belgian was first imported into the States, they were criticized for being “too thick, too low-headed, straight shouldered, and round-boned”. The Belgians however soon found work with the American breeders who loved their temperament, eagerness to work and strength. As a result the Belgian stayed, the the American breeders rallied to fix any wrongs. As a result it is considered one of the most successful breeding stories ever told. American Belgian’s possess strong feet, a solid middle, good muscle as well as a good temperament. Belgian horses are are easy to care for, ship well and are willing workers. The breeders from America basically developed a new horse with cleaner lines, an increased slope in the pasterns and shoulders and a head and neck that was more elegant. 

Description
With reards to color, whilst the first Belgians to be brought into to America were a wide mix, about 50% were bay and bay-brown. However, there was really no particular color which was a defining characteristic. Through breeding, shown by American preference, the ideal for a Belgian in the U.S. today is a chestnut or sorrel with a snow-white mane and tail, a white stripe on the face, and four white socks. You can, in other areas of the world find a large variety of different colours. 

Regarding height, Belgian horses are usually 16 hands (162.5 centimeters, or 64 inches) at the shoulder, but can exceed 18 hands (183 cm or 72 inches) to the shoulder. US Belgian horses are more often seen with a noticeably large head, larger hind-quarters and compact, muscular legs. 

The normal weight is 1600 to 2000 lbs (113.6 to 142 stones), but Belgian stallions can be in excess of 2400 pounds (170.4 stones).

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