Draft Horses

Draft horses, recognized for their powerful build, have long been indispensable to farmers, aiding in plowing fields, sowing seeds, and transporting crops. Their utility was not limited to rural areas; in cities, too, they were pivotal in moving goods and people before the advent of widespread automobile use. This isn’t only a nod to historical …

Step into the world of large draft horse breeds, where every horse has a story. These big, strong, and gentle horses have been important to people for many, many years. They’ve worked on farms, helped in wars, and pulled heavy wagons before cars and trucks were invented. Let’s learn all there is to know about …

Belgian horses, rising from the heart of Europe, are more than just equine giants. Their legendary strength is tempered with charming gentleness, making them an enigma in the horse world. Unmatched in size, power, and spirit, they’re respected worldwide. The awe-inspiring power of Belgian horses defies imagination. Capable of pulling over four times their weight, …

Welcome to a journey through the world of Clydesdales, the noble draft horses known for their impressive stature and gentle nature. Together, let’s traverse through the intriguing history, distinctive traits, and enduring charm that have cemented the Clydesdales as true icons of the equine world. Clydesdales hold a special place in the tapestry of horse …

When I first started studying big horse breeds, the Shire horse really stood out. Not only are they huge and strong, but they also have a unique history. Interestingly, these big, powerful horses were once on the brink of extinction and are still considered a vulnerable breed today. I was amazed by how much Shire …

My wife and I attended our local Farmer’s Day festival, where we witnessed a fascinating spectacle of draft horses displaying awe-inspiring strength, grace, and resilience. This captivating experience left us in awe and ignited a deep curiosity to learn more about these remarkable animals. From their historical significance in agriculture and transportation to their contemporary …

One of my favorite things about going to the annual Old Farmers Day festival near our home is watching the workhorse competitions. It’s interesting to see the different breeds participate in traditional farming contests, like pulling logs and plows. One thing that captured my grandson’s curiosity was what characteristics make up a ‘workhorse.’ In general, …

My grandson came home from school mad; his teacher told him not all draft horses are big, and he was sure she was wrong. When I hear “draft horse,” I picture large Belgian, Shire, and Clydesdales. However, his teacher is correct: draft horses come in all sizes. The Haflinger is the smallest draft horse breed, …

Our neighbor owns a pair of massive Belgians they use to pull their trail wagons. Recently, my grandson was watching the horses and asked if a person could ride a Belgian. I thought it was a good question to research since we’ve never seen anyone ride our neighbor’s horses. Belgians can be ridden, and some …

When you think of riding horses, the most likely image in your head is of a sleek Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse. But what about the Shire horse breed? Are these old-fashioned workhorses good for riding? Shires can make excellent riding horses. Thanks to their calm dispositions, Shires are often used in therapeutic riding programs. They …