BELGIAN DRAUGHT – HEAVIEST HORSES IN THE WORLD

Published: 2024-01-27 10:45:08 Categories: Guides

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Belgian Draught, also known as Brabant, is a heavy draught breed regarded as one of the strongest breeds in the world. What other qualities do these horses possess? Read our article to find out!

Belgian Draught – history

Belgian Draught horses descend from prehistoric draught horses. In medieval times, horses of Ardennes, Flanders, and Brabant (areas of present-day Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) were respected and very brave war horses. These horses were also used in farming and other physical jobs that required pulling strength.

From the middle of the 19^th century, the breed was refined through selective breeding but without crossbreeding with other horses. Belgian Draught horses were bred in three types that derived from three different stallions - Orange I (after Gros de la Dendre), Bayarda (after Gris du Hainault), and Jeana I (after Colosses de la Mehaique). A big influence on the breed had also a stallion called Albion d'Or (grandson of Orange I). At one point in history, almost 75% of all Belgian Draught breeding was based on his genes.

In the middle of the 19^th century, Belgian Draught horses came to North America. Unfortunately, during the First World War, American breeders lost access to new horses from Europe. Therefore, they crossbred Belgian Draught horses with other breeds. This started a new type of horse – the so-called American Belgian Draught, which breeding is still conducted in the USA and Canada.

The stud book for this breed was founded in 1886. Belgian Draught helped create many new draught breeds and refine other existing ones.

Breeding of Belgian Draught horse

These days, the breeding of Belgian Draught horses takes place mainly in their country of origin – Belgium. There are some studs in other European countries, yet they are usually small and private.

Belgian Draught – characteristics of the breed

Belgian Draught horses have apparent traits of working horses – strong and resilient animals. Their appearance might not be the most stunning one, yet their physical capabilities and ice temperament granted them loyal fans all over the world.

The head and ears are relatively small in comparison to the massive and muscular body. The head is either straight or slightly convex, just like in other draught breeds. The neck is short and just like the croup, very muscular with a visible distinction into two halves that goes through the tailbone and splits the rump. The massive croup was additionally highlighted by docking the tail – a procedure that involves removing part of the tail, usually a short distance from its root. Thankfully, this practice is slowly becoming archaic.

The breed has long, often sloping shoulders and big bodies with withers that are not prominent. Belgian Draught horses have impressive, wide, and deep chests. The breed has short, strong, and nicely built legs with flat, and big hooves. They also have small featherings near the hooves.

Coat: mainly roan

Height: 162-172 cm

Weight: 900 kg (around 1900 pounds) up to 1400 kg (3000 pounds)

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Belgian Draught – importance

Calm and eager to work with humans – a perfect description of Belgian Draught horses. Their immense strength makes them perfect for agricultural work and logging. They also pull carriages and sleighs. Sometimes, Belgian Draught horses are used in hippotherapy, thanks to their nice temperament.

Belgian Draught – diet

Belgian Draught horses, despite their massive body, do not need much more food than other breeds. Of course, the needed feed depends on the animal’s age, sex, and amount as well as intensity of physical activity. The breed has a considerable amount of muscle mass that needs to be maintained.

The average horse should be fed around 1.5 to 3% of their body weight. Therefore, the amount needed for a Belgian Draught horse will be slightly higher than a smaller warmblood horse.

Belgian Draught – the heaviest horse in the world

Brooklyn „Brookie” Supreme (1928 – 1948) was a Belgian Draught stallion that could be the heaviest horse in the world. He was 198 cm tall and weighed 1451 kg (3,200 lb)! For most of his life, Brooklyn Supreme was owned by C. G. Good and R. M. Fogleman who earned money by travelling and showing the animal all over the States.

Belgian Draught – price

The price for a Belgian Draught horse starts at 15 thousand PLN (around 2900 pounds) and goes up to 50 thousand PLN (around 9900 pounds). The price depends on the horse’s age, sex, and training. Pedigree, just like in other breeds, also plays a big role.

Summary

Belgian Draught horses have strong croups and powerful legs that allow them to pull heavy loads. This made them perfect working horses; they were used in farming, logging, and road building. The breed is also valued for its amazing temperament.

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