Brabant - Belgian Heavy Draught

The Brabant was originally known as the Flanders horse, its beginnings were in the lowland areas of Belgium where the soil is fertile and there is succulent herbage. It is the result of selective breading over centuries. There are claims that this horse had an influence on the Shire horse many years ago when it was imported to England.

The Brabant in Europe has remained a compact and exceptionally heavy horse, unlike in the USA where the breed has been selectively bred to be a much lighter type of horse. The true Belgian type stands at about 16.1 to 17h.h. it is a broad and powerful horse with a willing and gentle nature. The head is square with a broad forehead, wide-set eyes and shapely ears. The neck is well-muscled and heavily crested; the shoulders are powerful and the chest is deep; the body is deep; the back is short and strong; the hindquarters are broad and exceptionally strong; the limbs are short, thick and strong with plenty of feather; the feet are large and open. It is a sound horse with an active walk and surprisingly quick on its feet for its size. It has had an important influence on other European heavy breeds.