• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Fun Facts

    6 Amazing Facts About The Belgian Draft Horse

    Modified: Feb 26, 2020 by ihearthorses · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Growing up, the draft horses were always a favorite of mine. I loved that they were so huge, and yet so gentle. The Belgian Draft Horse is no exception, with his huge hooves, large body, and gentle spirit. While his looks may make him easy to recognize, here are 6 facts about the Belgian horse you probably never knew, including one about that signature chestnut coat.

    Two Belgian Draft Horses grooming each other in Texas spring. Green pasture and blue sky background with copy space.

    #1 – Originally from Belgium, Developed in America

    The “American” Belgian Draft Horse was developed in America by three men who started the Wabash Importing Company in Wasbash, Indiana. They, along with their lawyer, organized the American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses in 1937. (Now known as the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America).

    Belgian draft horses near Ennis, Texas

    #2 – Developed from Brabants

    The Belgian Brabant is the breed from which the American Belgian Draft was developed from. Today, the “old-style” or Brabant is rare in the United States, though still popular in Europe. The American Belgian is leggier, has more slope to his shoulder, and less feathering than the Brabant. Below is an image of the Brabant breed today.

    Two Belgian Draft Horses pulling a sleigh in the snow.

    #3 – Most Popular Draft Breed in America

    Despite the Budweiser Clydesdale's fame, the number of Belgian draft horses in the U.S. outnumber all other draft breeds, put together! Even Disneyland has quite a few Belgians on staff to pull their trolleys down Main Street U.S.A.

    Belgian Draft Horse grazing by a fence on green Texas bluebonnet and wildflower pasture in the spring.

    #4 – World Record Holders

    There are two Belgian draft horses that hold Guinness World Records. Big Jake, who holds the record as the Tallest Living Horse at 20 hh, 2 ¾ inches tall, and Mcllrath’s Captain Jim, a 2-year-old Belgian stallion who has the World Record for being the Most Expensive Draught Horse Ever Purchased. He was sold at the Mid-America Draft Horse Sale in February 2003 for $112,500.

     

    Belgian draft horses near Ennis, Texas#5 – Descendants of the “Great Horse”

    According to the International Museum of the Horse, the Belgian has direct linage to the “Great Horse” of medieval times. (This can’t be proven and so isn’t technically a “fact”, but it’s still a really fun legend about the breed!)

    Belgian Draft Horse in pasture

    #6 – The Original Belgian was a Horse of Many Colors

    Prior to the American development, Belgian Brabants came in many coat colors, with bay being the predominant color. As the breed gained popularity in America, however, the chestnut—sorrel with the flaxen mane and tail, a white blaze and four socks--became the “desired” color to have.

    Belgian Draft Horse grazing by a fence on green Texas bluebonnet and wildflower pasture in the spring.

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Have you ever met a Belgian draft horse? What did you think?

    More Fun Facts

    • 17 Inspirational TikTok Horse Accounts To Lift Your Spirits
    • 27 Mistakes Books and Movies Make About Horses
    • Horse with show ribbon
      5 Unique Ways to Display Horse Show Ribbons in Your Home
    • How Far Can A Horse Travel In A Day?

    Sharing is caring!

    51.5K shares
    • Share50.8K
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 17 Beautiful Spanish Horses Breeds (Rare Photos)
    • 7 Breathtaking Horseback Riding Rides in Texas
    • 7 Ways to Get Rid Of Dandruff on Your Horse
    • The 7 Hands-Down Best Horse Documentaries
    • 7 Proven Methods to Teach Your Horse to Stand Still

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    51.5K shares
    • 50.8K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy