Shire

First up is the Shire, a breed that truly deserves the title of the biggest horse. Hailing from England, these majestic giants typically stand between 16 and 18 hands, with some exceptional individuals soaring past the 19-hand mark. Known for their gentle disposition and incredible strength, Shires were historically used for heavy draft work. Today, many Shires play vital roles in therapeutic programs, proving that the biggest horses can also have the largest hearts.

Clydesdale

Next on our list is the iconic Clydesdale. When most people think of the biggest horses, these Scottish beauties come to mind. Standing between 16 and 18 hands tall, their distinct bay coats, white markings, and feathered legs make them easily recognizable. Originally bred for agricultural work, Clydesdales have become cultural icons, especially through their famous association with Budweiser.

Belgian

Among the biggest horses, the Belgian is another standout. Typically measuring between 16 and 17 hands tall, these muscular horses were bred for farm work and are known for their calm demeanor. Often weighing in at over 2,000 pounds, they embody the term “gentle giant” and make wonderful family companions as well as hard-working farmhands.

Percheron

Bringing a touch of elegance to the list, the Percheron is a French breed that generally stands between 16 and 18 hands tall and can weigh up to an astounding 2,600 pounds. Known for their versatility, Percherons excel in various disciplines, from draft work to riding. Their calm nature and strong build make them favorites among horse enthusiasts looking for a reliable partner.

Suffolk Punch

Don’t let its lesser-known status fool you, the Suffolk Punch is a true giant among the biggest horses. Typically standing between 16 and 17 hands, these sturdy, chestnut beauties are recognized for their heavy build and friendly demeanor. Originally bred for agricultural work, they shine in various equestrian activities today, showcasing their remarkable strength and adaptability.

Boulonnais

Meet the Boulonnais, a hidden gem in the world of big horses. This French breed, often called the White Marble Horse, stands between 15 and 17 hands and is known for its agility and strength. While they may not be as widely recognized, their impressive size and versatile capabilities make them extremely valuable to any equestrian program.

Australian Draught

The Australian Draught is a versatile breed that stands between 16 and 17.2 hands tall.  Originally developed for heavy draft work, this draft evolved from crossbreeding four of the above breeds—the Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron and Suffolk Punch—after those horses were imported into Australia. To this day, these sturdy horses are recognized for their adaptability and excellent temperament.

Brabant

Renowned for its immense strength and solid build, the Brabant is a significant contender among the largest horse breeds. Typically measuring between 15.2 and 17 hands tall, this Belgian breed is not only notable for its size but also for its gentle temperament and versatility in various equestrian activities.

American Cream Draft

While the American Cream Draft may not be the tallest breed on our list, it is among the biggest in terms of weight and overall build. Typically standing between 15 and 16.3 hands high and weighing between 1,600 and 1,800 pounds, these horses are cherished for their impressive strength and distinctive creamy coat. Originating in the United States, the American Cream Draft is known for its gentle temperament, making them ideal companions for families and suitable for various work and leisure activities.

Jutland

Finally, we have the Jutland, named for the Jutland Peninsula in the breed’s home country of Denmark. Typically chestnut in color, the Jutland only stands between 15 and 16.1 hands high but is so powerfully muscular that the breed weights anywhere from 1,400 and 1,860 pounds. Originally used for hauling brewery wagons, these big horses are known for a gentle, willing temperament.

The Legacy of the Biggest Horses in the World

From the majestic Shire to the iconic Clydesdale, each horse on this list has carved out significant roles in agriculture, sport, and companionship. These giants remind us that horses, regardless of size, share a common bond with humans. They are not just athletes, but partners in life. As the equine world continues to grow, the legacy of these biggest horses will endure, inspiring future generations of horse lovers and riders.

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Although machines have mostly replaced horsepower, draft horses are still valued and admired today. They are imposing, usually standing over 16 hands high. These heavy horse breeds feature massive bone, large hooves, and incredible strength.
Along with these powerful physical characteristics, draft horses have another quality in abundance: gentleness, which is another reason they have been beloved family horses for generations.

Let’s meet six fabulous draft breeds!

Belgian

We all know draft horses are impressive in size, but one towers above the rest. Big Jake, a Belgian gelding who stands just under 21 hands high, currently holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest living horse.

Belgians have earned a reputation for being gentle giants thanks to their kind dispositions and imposing size. They originally came from Belgium, and they’ve been used as farm horses in the United States since the early part of the 20th century. They are easily recognized by their chestnut coloring and flaxen manes and tails.

Clydesdale

If you’ve ever tuned in to watch a Super Bowl game, then you’ve seen the beautiful (and oh-so-famous) Budweiser Clydesdales. They have been a staple of Super Bowl commercials for many years, and the horses draw crowds at appearances all across the country.

Clydesdales originally came from Scotland in an area called Clyde (hence the name). The breed is known for its eye-catching appearance: usually bay, brown, or black, with extensive white markings that include tall stockings and wide blazes.

Shire

The word “shire” means county, and England is dotted with places like Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Hertfordshire. England is also the birthplace of shires of another kind: Shire horses.

Shires are tall—over 16.2 hands—and are found in bay, brown, black, gray, and occasionally chestnut. But while extravagant white markings are desirable in Clydesdales, they aren’t considered ideal in Shires.

While Big Jake the Belgian may hold the record for the tallest living horse, a Shire horse named Sampson (born in 1846) still holds the distinction of being the tallest horse ever recorded, at 21.2 1⁄2 hands high—that’s 7 feet, 2 1⁄2 inches at the withers!

Percheron

The Percheron is a French breed (its name comes from the La Perche region of France), and it’s usually black or gray. Their versatility and strength make them a top choice of draft enthusiasts. The Percheron is said to have been influenced by the Arabian at some point in its history.

Percherons have been a very popular draft breed in the United States since the late 1800s.

American Cream Draft

An American breed, the American Cream Draft was developed in Iowa during the first half of the 20th century. The American Cream Draft Horse Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and the breed had its moment in the spotlight when a team of American Cream Drafts proudly participated in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2019.

As you might also guess from the name, American Cream Drafts are cream-colored (technically the color is called “champagne”), with pink skin and amber-colored eyes. The foundation of the breed was a cream-colored draft-type mare named Old Granny, and in 1946 it was estimated that 98 percent of registered American Cream Drafts traced their lineage to her. These horses are quite rare, with less than 400 registered, but efforts are underway to increase awareness for this fascinating breed.

Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch has a long history in England, where it was developed as a reliable horse for farm work. The breed is still prized today for its quiet temperament and hardy nature.

In appearance, Suffolk Punch horses are a bit more compact than some of
the other draft breeds. They are always chestnut (or chesnut to the registry, who spells the color without a “t”) with minimal white markings, although the exact shade of chestnut varies depending on the individual.

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about draft horses! With their fascinating histories, record-setting size, and kind hearts, draft horses are truly awesome individuals.

This article about various draft horse breeds originally appeared in the September/October 2019 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Baseball and apple pie have a reputation for being quintessential all-American icons. But there’s another, lesser-known symbol of Americana: the American Cream Draft horse. The only draft horse breed developed in the United States, the Cream is a much younger breed than its European draft horse cousins. While the Clydesdale, Percheron, Belgian and other European draft breeds were established several centuries ago, the American Cream Draft got its start in the early 1900s.

It all began when a stock dealer named Harry Lakin bought a small draft mare at a farm sale in Iowa in 1911. The mare, who came to be known as Old Granny, was a rich cream color with a white mane and tail, pink skin and amber eyes.

No one knows Old Granny’s exact ancestry, but she went on to give birth to many cream-colored foals when bred to other draft horses. Her ability to pass along her stunning coloring to her offspring led her to become the foundation dam of the breed.

In the 1930s, fanciers of these cream-colored draft horses in the Melbourne, Iowa, area began to breed them in earnest, using line breeding and inbreeding to establish a distinct type. In mid-1944, the American Cream Draft Horse Association of America was established with an initial 20 members and 75 foundation horses.

Although numbers for the breed reached 200 registered horses by 1941, this turned out to be a tough time for many draft horse breeds. Farmers had already begun working their land with tractors instead of horses, and as a result, the demand for draft horses was dwindling. Consequently, the American Cream Draft Horse Association became inactive by the 1950s, and the breed was in danger of going extinct.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that the association reorganized and began a concerted effort to save the breed using the horses that were left. The hard work of these breeders saved the American Cream Draft Horse from certain disappearance.

Growing Numbers

Although this breed is considered very rare—just over 500 individuals exist—the breed is at its highest numbers in history. People who love draft horses are discovering this calm and attractive breed, not just for driving, but also for pleasure and competitive riding.

Although the American Cream Draft’s striking appearance is a large part of the breed’s attraction, this horse is most valued for its willing temperament, calm nature and abilities as a workhorse. Creams are often used in the carriage trade and for working the land on small farms.

The American Cream Draft Horse Association is striving to bring this special breed to the attention of the horse-loving public. Booths at equine events are one way of introducing the breed to those who may not be aware these horses even exist.

Individual Cream owners also participate in shows, parades and other community events, often with the intention of introducing the breed to other equestrians.
The association’s membership in the Livestock Breed Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping preserve rare breeds, is also enabling them to keep the American Cream Draft Horse population genetically healthy.

The American Cream Draft Horse’s distinctive coloring, gentle temperament and all-American history help this versatile draft horse stand out among the crowd.

All these qualities combined with the dedication of those who love these horses will mean greater popularity for this special breed.

Fast Facts Height: 16 to 16.3 hands Color: Light, medium or dark cream color on pink skin, with white mane and tail and amber or hazel eyes. Overall Appearance: Refined head, wide-set large, intelligent eyes; small expressive ears. Short-coupled body with well-muscled hindquarters. Wide chest; short, strong back; strong legs. Registry: American Cream Draft Horse Association

Further Reading: 10 Biggest Horses: Giants of the Equine World

This article about the American Cream Draft Horse originally appeared in the October 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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