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Horse Breed Directory
Horse Breed Directory
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Belgian
Belgian
Belgian
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The Belgian horse is a heavy, powerful horse, native to the fertile pastures of Belgium. These were horses that carried knights into battle in medieval Europe. They provided the genetic material from which nearly all the modern draft breeds originated.

Horse Strengths
Competition
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Jumping
  
Rodeo
 
Dressage
Racing
  
Showing
 
Driving
  
Ranch
  
Trail Riding
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Endurance
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Riding
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Working

Horse Facts
Origin
The familiar "blond" Belgian Draft horse that we see in the United States has its roots in the Brabant, also known as the Belgian Heavy Draft. This name has been shortened to Belgian for common usage. During the Middle Ages it was known as the Flanders Horse (after the region of Europe in which it originated) and had great influence on the development of other draft horse breeds, such as the Suffolk Punch, the Clydesdale and the Shire.
Characteristics
The head is comparatively small and refined, with an intelligent expression. The Belgian Draft more normally seen in the United States is not as "massive" as the Brabant, but still retains the proportions of the Brabant.
Height
16.2 - 17 hands
Colors
Sorrel and roan colors are most common in the modern Belgian 
Personality
Kind temperament and easy to handle.

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Pictures: DCI | iStockphotos
Contributors: DCI | ©2005 PetPeoplesPlace. All rights reserved.

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