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:
A year in the life of Central Kentucky horse farms - Lexington Herald Leader

Lexington Herald Leader
A year in the life of Central Kentucky horse farms
Lexington Herald Leader
One of those five mares became the mother of Sir Ivor, who was the first American-bred horse sold at Keeneland to win the English Derby, in 1968. Horses of interest: Stands stallion Johar; was longtime home of the late stallions Gone West and Diesis; .

..


Family brings 'complete package' to Stallion Row - Rapid City Journal

Family brings 'complete package' to Stallion Row
Rapid City Journal
Horse breeder Lee Carr of Hot Springs said Stallion Row is an opportunity for potential buyers to get a look at the stallions up close. "(The stallions on display) have a variety of attributes that make them marketable, depending upon the buyer's needs .

..


No Joey at Fort Robinson , just thousands of war horses
Nebraska once had thousands of war horses...


TRF Plans to Relocate 600 Horses to Ranch - TheHorse.com

TRF Plans to Relocate 600 Horses to Ranch
TheHorse.com
26 that it signed a non-binding letter of intent to relocate as many as 600 horses from facilities throughout the United States to the care of Thoroughbred breeder-owner Tom McKenna at his 45000-acre Cucharas Ranch near Walsenburg, Colo.

and more »
..


Middle East Online
Sultan Qaboos presided Monday the annual Royal Horse Race Festival at Al Adiyat Horse Race Track in the Wilayat province of Seeb. The festival included six rounds, five of which were dedicated for Arabian pure breeds, one for Thoroughbred...




Train Your Horse & Cure Bad Habits


Technorati Tags: , ,