Belgium is a beautiful country well-known for its dazzling landscapes and exquisite delicacies. But did you know that the country has its fair share of horse breeds? Many stunning horses are native to Belgium, but their popularity extends past its borders.
Whether you are an equestrian expert or a casual horse fan, read on for a list of eight Belgian horse breeds. We’ll look at the breeds’ history and other related facts to give you a detailed snapshot of each remarkable horse.
The 8 Belgian Horse Breeds
1. Belgian Trotter
- Origin: Belgium, with French, German, and American influences
- Lifespan: 14.2–15 hands
- Height: Bay or chestnut
- Temperament: Mild yet alert
The Belgian Trotter is from Belgium, but they have strong influences from French, German, and American breeds. The horse was developed by crossing domestic Carriage and Saddle horses with imported Thoroughbreds. Due to their breeding history, the Belgian Trotter is also known as the Half-Blood Trotter.
They were bred for racing and have muscular frames. Typically, the Belgian Trotter has an attentive yet relaxed temperament and can be found in either chestnut or bay colors. They are often used in sulky-pulling and saddle-trotting races.
2. Belgian Sport Horse
- Origin: Belgium, with French influences
- Lifespan: 16 hands
- Height: Chestnut, bay, brown, black, gray
- Temperament: Gentle, relaxed, and focused
The Belgian Sport horse, also referred to as the Belgian Half-Blood, was established in Belgium for sporting competitions. While they are a Belgian breed, they also have a French influence. The main breeds crossed to create the Belgian Sport Horse were the Belgian Draft, the Thoroughbred, and the Selle Francais.
In the past, the Belgian Sport was put to work in the army. As a result, the horse is full of energy and is highly athletic. At the same time, they have a gentle and relaxed temperament that horse owners admire.
3. Belgian Draft
- Origin: The Brabant region in Belgium
- Lifespan: 16.2–17 hands
- Height: Chestnut
- Temperament: Steadfast and calm
The Belgian Draft is a heavy horse from the Brabant region in Belgium. Some believe that the Belgian Draft is a descendant of the Destriers, the war horses used in medieval times. However, there is no tangible evidence to support this theory.
Regardless of their heritage, the horse is massive, standing at as many as 17 hands. Due to their significant size, this breed is renowned for their imposing presence. In fact, one of the largest horses in the world is a Belgian Draft, which stands at over 20 hands!
Despite their magnificent size, the Belgian Draft is known for being steadfast and calm. Today, they are often used as working animals or as riding horses.
4. Belgian Warmblood
- Origin: Belgium, with influences from the Netherlands and France
- Lifespan: 15.1–17 hands
- Height: Chestnut, bay, brown, black, and gray
- Temperament: Energetic, agreeable, and feisty
Belgian Warmbloods got their start in Belgium in the 1950s when the country’s breeders were finally allowed to breed lighter horses with the Belgian Draft. When the Belgian Draft was crossed with jumping horses native to the Netherlands and France, the Belgian Warmblood breed was born.
The breed was developed for confirmation and performance in jumping and dressage shows. Belgian Warmbloods typically have good paces and an agreeable disposition. Although they are friendly and lively, they can also be a bit feisty.
5. Zangersheide
- Origin: Province of Limburg in eastern Flanders
- Lifespan: 16 – 17 hands
- Height: Chestnut, bay, gray and black
- Temperament: Tolerant, agreeable, and gentle
The Zangersheide horse is sometimes affectionately referred to as the Zang horse. They are relatively new and hail from the province of Limburg in eastern Flanders. They were created to be a competitive showjumping horse, and their temperament is patient and friendly.
They are solid horses, standing around 17 hands tall, yet their appearance is undeniably elegant. The Zangersheide is athletic and has made their mark by winning show jumping competitions at the Olympics.
6. Ardennais
- Origin: Ardennes region in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France
- Lifespan: 16 hands
- Height: Bay, gray, and brown
- Temperament: Friendly, calm, and focused
The Ardennais breed was founded in the Ardennes region in Belgium, where they got their name. They also have origins in Luxembourg and France. The Ardennais is among the oldest breeds of draft horses, with a history that stretches all the way back to Ancient Roman times.
In Ancient Rome, the Ardennais was used as a war horse. It is believed that the Ardennais’ ancestry is a prehistoric horse called the Solutre, which may have been bred for more than 2,000 years across the Ardennes area.
7. Belgian Riding Pony
- Origin: Belgium
- Lifespan: 13–14.2 hands
- Height: Chestnut, brown, and black
- Temperament: Spirited and good-tempered
The Belgian Riding Pony is a product of crossing different Belgian breeds to create a spirited, good-tempered pony. This petite horse stands at a mere 13–14.2 hands and is the smallest breed on this list. Although diminutive, the Belgian Riding Pony has excelled in jumping, dressage, and endurance riding.
Since they are small ponies, Belgian riding ponies are ideal for children to ride. However, they can be feisty at times, so it is recommended that riders have experience mounting and riding horses.
8. Flemish Horse
- Origin: Belgium, but the breed resurfaced in the United States
- Size: 17 hands
- Colors: Chestnut
- Temperament: Steady and agreeable
The Flemish Horse is an extinct horse breed. The breed became extinct in the 19th century, when they were crossed with other species to develop the Belgian Draft. However, some Amish populations in the United States maintained a small stock of the Flemish Horse, causing a small breed revival in the early 1990s.
In terms of temperament, the Flemish Horse is incredibly agreeable. They are steadfast companions eager to work and please their owners. In addition, the breed is massive and weighs as much as 2,200 pounds.
Conclusion
Belgium is full of beautiful animals, including remarkable horse breeds. While all these breeds have a common country of origin, they have unique histories that molded them into the horses that they are today.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about the amazing horses in Belgium.
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Featured Image Credit: danielsfotowelt, Pixabay
