8 minute read
BREED PROFILE
BIG BEAUTIFUL BELGIANS
Proving themselves to be “gentle giants,” Belgians have secured their place in people’s hearts – both in the harness and under saddle.
BY MONIQUE NOBLE, PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROB BAYERLE
There are few things as head-turning as a team of Belgians with their burnished chestnut coats and polished flaxen manes glowing alongside the flash and jingle of harness. Their power is unmistakeable, as is their gentle demeanour as people flock to them to ask their drivers questions. If they are lucky, they are allowed to pet and even offer these gentle giants a carrot. While it seems discordant that these amiable and kind creatures are descended from the fierce war horses of old, it is the Belgian’s versatility and unflappability that has ensured its place in both the old world and new.
It is widely accepted that, similar to most draft breeds, Belgians are direct descendants of the “Great Horse” – or Destrier from the Middle Ages. However, recent research has shown that Destriers were not the giants as once depicted and were closer to the 14.2 to 15 hands high of an average riding horse. This newfound information does not discredit the Belgian’s connection to the historic war horse though, as the Belgian has been bred and crossbred for different purposes throughout its history. Its impressive size is a result of selective breeding.
Originating from the Brabant region of Belgium, the Belgian’s foundation stock were known as Brabants. Brabants are an extremely well-built, muscular breed with immense pulling power, widely used in farming. The fertile soil and heavy rainfall of the Brabant region easily supported breeding programs that encouraged the bulk and size of heavy horse breeds, and Belgians are just one of the heavy horse breeds that originated in the region.
For centuries, the term Brabant and Belgian were often used interchangeably, and they were in fact the same horse when the first of the breed were brought to North America in 1886, after the end of the civil war. The breed quickly became known to American breeders as the easiest keeper, best shipper and quietest of draft horse breeds.
The Belgian/Brabant gained further popularity after Belgium sent an exhibit of the horses to appear at the St. Louis World Fair in 1903, where they were met with great interest not only for their impressive stature and work ethic, but also their gentle nature and trainability.
Imports of these early Belgians from Belgium were quite frequent until 1914 when World War I and post-war depression prevented further horses from crossing “the Pond” until the 1920s. Imports increased again until 1940 when the last major import of Belgiumbred horses came to America, just four months before Germany invaded the country during World War II.
American breeders once again sought out “landed” horses that suited their needs and breed preferences, which led to a different style of Belgian being developed. It was at this point in the Belgian’s breeding history that they truly started to become a breed apart from the Brabant.
The Brabant breed today still displays its typical, thick outline and round bone structure. They have a coarser shoulder and head than the modern North American Belgian. Selective breeding of North American Belgian lines has created a taller and lighter horse with more refined features, including an elegantly sloped shoulder, flatter boned limbs with less “feathering” and larger feet. Breeders were very careful to retain the steadfast personality, power, and work ethic of the breed while creating the Belgian we see in North America today.
When first imported to North America, Belgians came in a variety of coat colours including gray, black, bay, and blue roan. Most of the horses had black points and dark manes, rather than the typical flaxen mane and tails seen in today’s Belgian. Through selective breeding, the preference for chestnut and roan colouring became apparent and have led to most North American Belgians having a stunning chestnut coat with flaxen mane and tail, with or without roaning throughout their coats. “Chrome” is often quite common with many Belgians having white socks and stars or blazes on their faces.
OPPOSITE PAGE: More refined than their Brabant kin, the Belgians of today are still among the largest of the draft breeds and hold spots in the Guinness Book of World Records for both the heaviest and tallest horses in the world.
The Belgian Horse is one of the tallest and largest breeds in the world. In fact, the world’s tallest living horse was a Belgian called Big Jake, who stood 20.2 and 3/4 hands high. Big Jake held this title until his death in 2021. Photo courtesy Guinness Book of World Records.
The Belgian’s gentle personality is readily apparent in their faces. With relatively small heads for their size, they can be imposing until they reach out for a scratch or snuggle with a huge, liquid chocolate eye and a softly searching muzzle. Their beautifully shaped heads are cleanly set on an elegant, well-muscled neck and tied into a gently sloped shoulder. This conformation feature allows them to be somewhat smoother moving than their Brabant cousins, without detracting from their strength. A Belgian’s body is a study of physical strength, with a broad but short back and a deep girth. This is balanced by the horse’s huge, characteristically “double muscled” hindquarters and strong loins that speak of their incredible power. Their legs are clean and flat with sharp and straight hocks set on large feet, and wide heels that allow them to use their incredible physical strength with great efficiency.
One of the largest draft breeds, Belgians are renowned for their ability to pull immense loads in harness and are frequent favourites in heavy horse pull competitions. A team of Belgians currently hold the Heavy Horse Pull record at the Calgary Stampede. Collectively weighing 5,475 pounds, Jesse and Sam pulled an impressive 13,400 pounds just over 12 feet in 2012. This remarkable breed is no stranger to record holding feats and have several other records to their credit.
The tallest living horse in the Guinness Book of World Records until his passing at 20 years of age in 2021, was a Belgian named Big Jake. He stood at 20 and 2-3/4” hands high, while most Belgians reach a height between 16.2–18 hands high and weigh in between 1,800–2,400 pounds. Despite their immense size, Belgians tend to be very easy keepers and are, in fact, frequently over-fed which can lead to weight issues, laminitis, and founder. The world’s heaviest horse was also a Belgian named Brooklyn Supreme and while he stood 19.2 hands high, he weighed 3,200 pounds (600 pounds heavier than Big Jake). Brooklyn also passed away at 20 years of age, which is slightly older than the average 18-year lifespan of most Belgians.
Belgians, well known for their impressive feats of strength and stamina are frequent favourites at heavy horse competitions. Photo courtesy of Rachel Matthews
Originally bred for agricultural and industrial work, these powerful horses excel at pulling events, but they are often still seen at work on farms and in logging and sugar bushes today. Not surprisingly the peaceful Belgian is also now more often than not, being used for pleasure. They can be observed pulling sleighs and wagons full of cheerful people at festivals and parades, in dressage events, driving competitions, and on the trail.
The Belgian’s easygoing temperament and willingness make them delightful riding partners, while their modern build makes them smoother to ride than their Brabant cousins. Their heavy-duty build, and gentle demeanor make them ideal trail mounts for people of larger stature. Belgians have both the strength and stamina to carry people and gear over great distances, and a personality and gentleness that makes them endearing – rather than intimidating.
A RELIABLE PARTNER
Toby, an eight-year-old purebred Belgian gelding was left unhandled until the age of seven. That’s when his current owner Rob Bayerle of Eckville, AB, acquired him. Left in a field with three stallions after being bottle raised when his dam passed away, he was a bit of a wildcard. Standing at 17.2 hands high, it wasn’t long until Toby’s gentle nature came shining through. Once Toby came to trust Bayerle, he became kind and curious and within a year was one of his most trusted and capable mountain horses. While finding gear to fit the horse was not easy, it has been well worth the effort. Toby has carried Bayerle (a burly 6’1 man) and his gear all over the eastern slopes. Toby has proven to be a calm and fast learner, and has no issues with whatever the trail throws at them. Be it tiny bridges, deep river crossings, or hordes of children. Although every now and then, Toby does get a little overzealous in his affection and has the ability to knock you over with his “nuzzles.”
This year, Bayerle and Toby’s biggest challenge will present itself to them as they prepare to traverse the Howse Pass, which is a leg of the Great Divide Trail from Saskatchewan River Crossing, AB, to Field, BC. The passage had been used by indigenous people for hundreds of years and runs approximately 177 km in length. There is no doubt that the stamina and courage, typical of Toby’s Belgian blood, will serve them well.
As the mechanization of farming and logging continues, draft horses are being used less frequently in industry and agriculture. However, it is safe to say that with all their impressive size and strength, docile natures and versatility, Belgians have secured their place in people’s hearts – either in the harness or under saddle. AB
