Brabant

Brabant, Belgian Draft Horse

The Brabant is a powerful Belgian draft horse with a massive build, calm nature, exceptional pulling strength and high endurance.

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Breed information

Country: Belgium
Height: 160–170 cm
Weight: 800–1000 kg
Coat: dense coat; often bay, chestnut or sorrel, with pronounced feathering on the lower legs
Suitable for: heavy driving, agriculture, forestry, hauling, parades and carriage work

Tags

horse heavy draft driving horse calm Belgium

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 7/10

Trainability 8/10

Good with children 8/10

Shedding 6/10

Guarding 5/10

Care 6/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Brabant is a massive Belgian draft horse with a broad chest, powerful body and short, strong legs. Petsi lists a height of 160–170 cm and a weight of 800–1000 kg. Strong bone and lower-leg feathering are characteristic.

History

The breed is associated with the historic Brabant region. Strong local horses served military purposes in the Middle Ages, while nineteenth-century selection focused on agricultural and heavy draft work.

Use

Today Brabants are used in agriculture, forestry, hauling, parades, shows and carriage work.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Brabants are known for calmness, low reactivity and willingness to work with people. Obedience and predictable responses are especially valuable in such a large horse.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

High body mass makes weight, joint and hoof management especially important. Leg feathering should be kept clean and dry. Feeding should centre on good forage, water and mineral balance.