Belgian colt

Viewing this young colt standing next to an adult male, it's not difficult to believe the Belgian horse is a direct lineal descendant of the "Great Horse" of medieval times -- the Flemish horses that carried armored knights into battle.

The Belgian originates from the country of Belgium, as its name implies. Belgium, being the country of origin, played a very energetic role in establishing, improving and setting the breed type of this draft horse. Belgian breeders exported stallions for use in government stables of Russia, Italy, Germany, France and Austria-Hungary. This brought tremendous financial rewards to the breeders, and ultimately, Belgium.

Although the American Belgian Association was officially founded in 1887, in Wabash, Indiana, it was slow going as far as interest in the breed. It wasn't until 1903, when the Belgium government sent an exhibit of horses to the St. Louis World's Fair and International Livestock Exposition in Chicago, that interest in the breed truly came about.

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Today, there are more Belgians than any other draft breeds, combined. The draft horse is spectacular - in beauty and size. Many commercial firms are using Belgians as an advertising vehicle. Their good disposition and willingness to work make them great favorites. A great worker, the Belgian is equally effective in pulling competition as in a hitch competition.

The early Belgians came in many coat colors, with the bay being the most prominent. There were roans, chestnut-sorrels and grays. Today, the chestnut-sorrel is the most common, with the red sorrel -- with white mane, tail, stripe in the face and four white socks -- considered the "Cadillac" of colors.

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The fact that Belgians are by far the most numerous of all draft breeds in the U.S., plus the fact that they are pretty much a one-color breed, makes it easier to mate a horse when needed. This in turn offers owners a much bigger market, when they wish to sell.

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The Belgian usually exheeds 16 hands in height, and very often exheeds 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. The color is usually chestnut or roan with white or blonde mane, tail and points (in America). Its weight averages between 1800 and 2000 pounds, with some stallions reaching 2400 pounds.

For more information on this beautiful breed, please visit these links : The Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America, PO Box 335 Wabash, Indiana 46992

Rural Heritage Stables breeding/showing information.

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