When standing near a Belgian Draft Horse, it’s easy to feel small—intimated, even. But the Belgian Draft is the epitome of a gentle giant.
Photo by Bob LangrishDeveloped in North America from Brabant stock, they were bred to be an all-round farm horse. Today, The Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America remains the largest register for draft horses in America, according to Michelle Keaffaber, Belgian Draft Horse Corporation chief operating officer.
“Our office process approximately 3,500 registrations and 3,000 transfers per year, which has been consistent for the past five years,” says Keaffaber.
Belgian Horse Events and Highlights
The Corporation includes the Belgian Draft Horse Alliance, whose mission is to help foster continuous growth of the Belgian Draft Horse with programs, including a Hall of Fame, Merit program and a National Belgian Futurity and show.
The Belgian Expo is held annually on the second Saturday in July, rotating between Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania. The National Belgian Show, happening the third week in August, celebrated its 101st year in 2023.Stoney Lake Cornelius wins best of breed at the 100th anniversary of the National Belgian Show in August 2022. Photo by Summit Professional Services
To promote youth involvement, the Corporation also has youth ambassadors that receive yearly training in social media conduct and how to run the Corporation booth at shows and sales. They also offer a Youth Merit Program and college scholarships.
The breed seems to enjoying a bit of a renaissance, with a 3-year-old Belgian gelding named Pleasant Country Supersonic selling for $137,500 at the Mid-America Draft horse Sale in February 2023, setting a world record.
The Belgian as a Therapy Horse
Danielle Scott of Stewartstown, Pa., has a passion for community service, so she decided to travel to assisted living facilities with therapy horses. But not just any therapy horses: Her team includes a 30-year-old Belgian Draft Horse named Clyde and a 20-year-old Belgian Draft mule named Everett.Danielle Scott’s 30-year-old Belgian Draft, Clyde, works as a therapy horse in assisted living communities. Photo courtesy Danielle Scott
Scott adopted Clyde from Gentle Giants Horse Rescue. Originally, her two equines were just family pets.
“But they both enjoy spreading this type of joy,” she says. “And getting snacks and scratches is good, too! Clyde was a plow horse for 28 years. He’s known nothing but being a hard worker, and he has no desire to quit. He’s a prideful horse, and I think he loves living his life with purpose.”Clyde’s buddy, a Belgian Draft mule named Everett, also helps out during therapy visits. Photo courtesy Danielle Scott
While such a large therapy horse may seem strange, Scott says it works well.
“Belgians are incredibly sensitive and sweet-natured,” she explains. “I think they really connect with the elderly. They are so patient, even when pats are heavy, and they take treats so gently, especially when hands can’t straighten all the way out to hold flat.”
Scott says hearing the people they visit talk about the horses and get excited is a huge reward. One woman with dementia started sharing stories of horses she used to ride. And a World War II vet told her about the horses they used during the war.
Clyde, a retired Amish plow horse, also does paper chases and shows. Paper chases are where riders follow a trail and are judged on obstacles and tasks along the route.
Preserving Their Past
Meanwhile, Brent Brophy from Arcadia, Mich., still uses Belgian Draft Horses for logging. He has been using them for six years, and currently has three on his team.
“Horses are a lot more environmentally friendly than machines,” he says of why he still logs the old-fashioned way.Brent Brophy finds Belgian Draft horses more environmentally friendly than machines, and says they have a great attitude and love the work. Photo courtesy Brent Brophy
“I have the big pulling-bred Belgians,” says Scott. “I chose them because of their size and attitude toward work. They love it.”
Like Scott, Brophy has found the Belgian to be a happy worker, enjoying whatever job they are doing. And these are no small pullers: Brophy’s large boy is 19.1 hands and weighs 2,780 pounds. His others are 19.2 and 18.2 hands.Brophy’s logging Belgians are 18.2, 19.1 and 19.2 hands. The heaviest weighs 2,780 pounds. That’s some horsepower! Photo courtesy Brent Brophy
Key Takeaway
While the breed may have been developed out of necessity for the early American farmer, it has become a whole lot more. Whether pulling logs, providing therapy, enjoying a trail ride, running barrels at a fair or stepping out in front of a cart, one thing is for sure: the Belgian Draft Horse does it all willingly and sweetly. If you’re looking for something with lots of power, don’t let their size frighten you from giving them a try.
This article about the Belgian Draft Horse appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!