Looking for a Draft Horse? Consider the Beautiful Belgian!

Draft horses are large, muscular creatures bred for heavy pulling work. They are made for power, not for speed, and are substantially larger than what most people imagine when they think of an everyday horse. As its name implies, the Belgian horse hails from Belgium. This equine can get as large as one ton, which is 2000 pounds. This breed boasts the largest horse in the world, a powerhouse named Radar who stands 19.35 hands or 6 feet, seven inches. His weight is more than 2400 pounds. While Radar is the largest horse in existence right now, the largest in history was named Brooklyn Supreme and weighted 3200 pounds. There's no doubt about it -- these horses are massive.

This breed is chestnut, red or roan in color and features a short head with a thick, well-muscled neck. Legs are short with mild feathering around the bottom. The body is bulky and powerful. The mane is often a flaxen color and is thick and abundant, as is the tail. You will find that the hooves of this horse breed are smaller than other breeds which gives them an advantage in tight areas. While they are bulky animals, their smaller hooves allow for more flexible movement in challenging terrains. Everything about this animal shows its ability and potential as a hard worker and a heavyweight puller.

These horses were commonly used as farm and plow horses. They excel in heavy work and possess remarkable endurance. They descended from the ages old Flemish horse and may also be referred to as a Brabant. They are very docile and gentle, while at the same time being eager to work. They are happiest when there is a task to be done. While much farm work is done by machine, these horses are still sometimes used for traditional farmwork in many parts of the world.

These workhorses are used to pull carriages, plows, wagons and sleighs. They are also used for show jumping, western riding and even dressage. They make great companions and are versatile, attractive equines. It is thought that these horses descended from the Forest Horse, one of the first four horses in existence. The Belgian is not as elegant or refined as the Arabian, but they are solid, down to earth animals who make up for their lack of sophistication with incredible strength and obedience.



Horse Breeding News:
Gov. withdraws state support for horse racing
BY JANE MEGGITT & JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Gov. Chris Christie has decided to drain state support from New Jerseys horse racing and breeding industry to try to give lifeblood to faltering Atlantic City casinos. read more..


IDA database potentially compromised
A computer and protective case has been stolen from a locked state vehicle of an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship employee. This theft has placed at risk the personal information of Iowans participating in the departments Horse and Dog Breeding Program. Through this program the department provides financial awards to breeders of successful Iowa born racing greyhounds and ...


Diva's dream stud date
WHEN Australian racing's super stud and most bootilicious mare are preparing to get together, it's time to find a room or a stable...


Weld County Fair features slew of accomplished ag students
Marissa Bartmann, 17, side steps with Sunday, her 10-year-old Appaloosa, Wednesday at her family home near Windsor. Bartmann has reached Level IV in the Colorado State 4-H Horse Advancement Levels Program and will be appearing at the Weld County Fair...


Brandon infant dies of equine encephalitis
By Letitia Stein, Times Staff Writer Thursday, July 29, 2010 TAMPA A Brandon-area infant has died from a rare and devastating disease transmitted by mosquitoes that causes inflammation of the brain, health officials said Thursday. It was the second death in Hillsborough County this month from eastern equine encephalitis, prompting officials to issue a public health alert and step up mosquito ...


Horse from Bellingham therapeutic riding center recovering from emergency surgery
The Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center's award-winning pony, Kleng, suffered a bout of colic J..




Train Your Horse & Cure Bad Habits


Technorati Tags: , ,