THE FULL STORY: Belgian horses might be the most direct descendants of the "great horse" of medieval times. Native to Belgium, the farmers of this little country developed a heavy, powerful breed of horses. This was the center of Western Europe where the medieval writers referenced the great black horses known as Flemish horses (also called "great horses") – the same horses that carried armored knights into battle. Such horses were known to exist in that part of Europe in the time of Caesar. They provided the genetic foundation from which nearly all the modern draft breeds were developed. Originally, Belgians came in many colors. About half of the first American imports were bay, followed by roan, chestnut sorrel, black, and even a few grays. American breeders favored the sorrel and today, the American Belgian is usually chestnut or roan with white or blonde mane, tail, and points. The modern Belgian has become a great wagon horse as well as a working horse. Belgians are prized for being easy keepers, good shippers, and willing workers. The Belgian usually exceeds 16 hands and is often taller than 18 hands. The American Belgian has a relatively large head and short, lightly feathered, muscular legs, large quarters, and broad feet. When mature, a Belgian’s weight averages 1800 to 2000 pounds, although some stallions reach 2400 pounds. Yet, these “great horses’ are today as tractable, intelligent and dependable as they are large!
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