Belgian Draught



The Belgian Draught, Belgisch Trekpaard, Trait belge, is a Belgian breed of draught horse. It originates in the region of the Low Countries that is now central Belgium, and may also be called the Brabant after the former Province of Brabant in that area.

The American Belgian Draught derives from the same original stock, but has developed differently.

History
The Belgian Draught descends from the heavy farm horses of the region of the Low Countries that is now central Belgium: the Colosse de la Méhaigne from the valley of the Méhaigne in the area of Namur; the Gris de Nivelles et du Hainaut, named for Hainaut region and for the city of Nivelles, now in Walloon Brabant; and the Gros de la Dendre, named for the Dender river, from East Flanders and the area that is now Flemish Brabant. Documented breeding was recorded in the seventeenth century, with the first studbook founded in 1886. The first known imported Belgian to America was in the late nineteenth century.

Closely related breeds include the Ardennais, Flemish Horse, Nederlands Trekpaard, and Trait du Nord.

The American Belgian Draught derives from the same original stock, but has developed differently. It is generally taller and less heavily built, and has a very different distribution of coat colours.

Characteristics
The Belgian Draught is a tall, powerful and massive horse. Heights at the withers are usually in the range 163 - 173 cm, with an average height of 164 cm for mares and 168 cm for stallions. Average weights are approximately 700 kg for mares and 900 kg for stallions, but weights of over 1000 kg are not uncommon. The roan coat colour predominates, accounting for about 80% of all of the horses; some 12% are bay, and the remainder chestnut, black or grey.

Genetic diversity
The Belgian Draught horse has been identified as having an intermediate level of genetic diversity, and found to have relatively low levels of inbreeding. However, due to low founder diversity, the breed is identified as likely to have a potential compromise of genetic diversity in future generations.