Belgian Draft Horse History and Origins
Belgian Draft Horse | Arabian | Haflinger

History and Origin of the Breed
History shows that Belgians are direct lineal descendants of the "Great Horse" of medieval times. The Belgian, as the name implies, is native to the country of Belgium. This little country is blessed with fertile soil and abundant rainfall, providing the thrifty farmers of Belgium with the excellent pastures and the hay and grain necessary to develop a heavy, powerful breed of horse.

Belgium lies in the very center of that area of Western Europe that gave rise to the large black horses known as Flemish horses and referred to as the "Great Horses" by medieval writers. They are the horses that carried armored knights into battle. Such horses were known to exist in that part of Europe in the time of Caesar. They provided the genetic material from which nearly all the modern draft breeds are fashioned.

The Resurgence of the Draft Horse
In the US today, there are more Belgians than all other draft breeds combined. Looking at the following reasons will explain the resurgence in draft horse fortunes, and the reasons for the remarkable success of the Belgian in particular. 1. A growing ecological awareness that some of the tools and methods of modern agriculture were destructive, causing many to seek alternatives, among which is the draft horse as a source of power 2. An economic crunch that makes home grown power, that runs on home grown fuel, which in turn enriches the soil in the form of manure, reproduces itself plus provides a surplus for sale, and appreciates rather than depreciates for the first half of its life, look better and better. 3. Their beauty. The draft horse at his best is a spectacular beast. Once booted out at some fairs for being behind the times, they are now welcomed back as crowd pleasers. More increasingly big commercial firms are also looking to the Belgian hitch as an advertising vehicle. 4. Nostalgia plays a role, albeit a minor one. Increasing numbers of horse- minded people are finding their pleasure horse in the form of a team of Belgians. Their good disposition and willingness to work make them great favorites on some of the small part-time "sundowner and weekender" type farms that continue to increase in number.

Why the Belgian Success
The changes made by American breeders have developed a horse with far more style, particular in the head and neck, with more slope to both shoulder and pastern, and the good clean, flat bone that goes hand in hand with such qualities. The modern Belgian is still a great worker, and has become an excellent wagon horse. The fact that the Belgians are equally effective in pulling competition as in a hitch competition says much for the breed. Along with these changes in conformation has come a color change. The original imports came in many color coats with a predominance of bay. There were also roans, chestnut-sorrels and even a few grays. There was no particular color at the onset.

The fact that Belgians are by far the most numerous of all draft breeds in this country, plus the fact that they are much a one-color breed, makes it easier to mate a horse when needed and offers owners a much bigger market when they wish to sell. Breed Characteristics

The Belgian usually exceeds 16 hands in height and very often exceeds 18 hands. It is a docile horse and a willing worker. The American Belgian has a relatively large head and short, feathered, muscular legs and large quarters. The feet are large and have minimum feather. In America, its color is usually chestnut or roan with white or blonde mane, tail and points. Its weight averages between 1800 and 2000 pounds; some stallions reach 2400.

Photo of Draft colts, displayed to represent the breed.

Draft Horses in harness, pulling a carriage.

Belgian Draft horses on a ranch.