Draft Horses

Draft horses are used mainly to pull loads. They are compact and relatively short-legged. The draft breeds are based on the large, black, hairy Flemish horse native to Europe in ancient times. Its descendants, the Flemish Great Horse and the English Great Horse, carried the heavily armored knights of the Middle Ages.

The number of draft horses in the United States has declined sharply from its peak in 1915 as tractors and trucks have taken over the heavy work. The main breeds are:

a massive horse developed in Belgium from the native Flemish Great Horse. Belgians are the widest, lowest, and most compact of the draft breeds. They are 15–2 to 17 hands high, and weigh from 1,900 to 2,200 pounds (860 to 1,000 kg). Belgians are known for their quiet temperament. Bay, chestnut, and roan are the main colors.

a breed developed in the valley (dale) of the River Clyde in Scotland, from Flemish and English stock. It is rangier than the other draft breeds. Clydesdales have much feather at the back of the lower legs. They are most often bay or brown with white markings. Clydesdales are known for their energy, flashiness, and high leg action. They are often driven in exhibitions.

a breed developed in France, in a district called La Perche, from Flemish and Arabian strains. Percherons have a more refined head than do other draft breeds and have high leg action. They are long-lived and good-natured. Percherons are usually black or gray.

a massive English breed directly descended from the English Great Horse of the Middle Ages. It is the largest modern draft breed, commonly 16 to 17–2 hands high, and stallions often weigh more than 2,000 pounds (910 kg). The legs are heavily feathered. Shires are usually bay, brown, or black with white markings.

the smallest common draft breed, developed in England. Suffolks are chunky, chestnut-colored horses, 15–2 to 16–2 hands high. They have a good disposition and are noted for gameness.