Belgian Draft Horses
Belgians in North America are divided into two groups of modern and old style. Modern, or American, Belgians are leggier and have more slope to the shoulder than old style Belgians, or Brabants. In the United States, the former are common while the latter are relatively scarce.
The Belgian is bred for its ability to efficiently convert feed to flesh and muscle. This horse has heavy muscling, a deep chest, wide barrel, powerful hindquarters and an active boldness. Yet, the horse is willing and docile. These traits made the Belgian the most popular draft horse in the United States among horse farmers, loggers and pullers.
Percherons
Percherons originated in the La Perche region of northwest France. They are compact and muscular, yet, retain from their Arabian ancestry an elegance and active way of going. The neck is crested and the face is refined with the large, dark, eyes. Color may vary from black to dapple gray or blue roan, some of which eventually turn white. In some areas, sorrel is a common color. Percherons have little feathering on the legs and were used for farming, logging and pulling contests. Percherons were also used to pull heavy wagons for advertising and for carriage rides on city streets and at historical sites. Percherons are now becoming more popular for riding.
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Clydesdales and Shires
Clydesdales originated in the Clyde River Valley of Scotland and owe much of their heritage to the Great Horse of the Middle Ages.
In their home country, they became famous for their size, power and snappy looks. No only could they pull heavy weight - whether plowing steep, rough, hills or pulling a freight wagon from city to city - but they looked stylish doing it. While the Clydesdale remained a farm horse, it quickly found its calling as a freight horse because of its size, power, quick way of going and because it attracted attention, therefore, advertising the owner's wares.
For the same reasons the Clydesdale was so popular in Scotland and much of Europe, it quickly gained favor in Canada and the United States. Abundant white feathering on the feet is a trademark of this breed, although, those who worked horses in the field found the extra grooming to be a detriment. Therefore, Clydesdales are commonly seen in exhibition hitches for brewery companies, as well as in shows and parades. In the United States, there are more Clydesdales than the similar looking Shire, although the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy lists both as rare breeds.
Belgian Facts
Color - sorrel, roan or chestnut
Brabant- roan or bay
Average weight - 1,400 to 1,800 pounds
Average height - 16 to 17 hands
Temperament - bold and active, willing yet docile
Uses - heavy draft, farm work and pulling contests
Percheron Facts
Color - black, blue roan, dapple gray, white or sorrel
Average weight - 1,500 pounds
Average height - 15.2 to 17 hands
Temperament - active, energetic, good-natured and intelligent
Uses - heavy draft, driving, carriage service and riding
Clydesdale Facts
Color - bay, brown, roan or black with white blaze and stockings
Average weight - 1,700 to 2,000 pounds
Average height - 16.2 to 18.2 hands
Temperament - active, gentle and responsive
Uses - heavy draft