I recently finished writing a book that will be out April of 2023. In it, there are a pair of elderly Haflinger draft horse brothers who are mostly pets but used occasionally for pulling a carriage. One of my critique partners, when she first read about the horses in my book, named Elvis and Otis, told me she had no idea what a “draft” horse was and had to look it up. Actually, I was kind of surprised as the Budweiser Clydesdales are probably some pretty recognizable draft horses.
While draft horses can be ridden, large breeds like the Clydesdales are better suited, and specifically bred, for pulling heavy loads. Some of the lighter and smaller breeds, like the Haflingers in my book or the Norwegian Fjord, can be ridden, but they aren’t typically fast or agile. They are, however, like most draft horses, very gentle natured — which is why, in my book, my hero often leads his three-year-old twins around on the old horses’ backs.
Another common draft horse is the Shire, which is among the tallest at around 17.2 hands. Like the Clydesdales, they have these great shaggy feet that look fantastic when they walk out.
I fell in love with the Friesian many, many years ago as a teenager when I first saw them perform in a circus. With their long flowing manes and tails and high-stepping legs, they’re a breathtaking sight. Which is why you’ll often see them used in other equine performance events, as well as parades and even trick riding.
The Percheron is a draft horse I’m more familiar with as we once owned one. Originally from France, they started out as a war horse and then, after the war, were used as a work horse. They are usually grey or black, though I personally have only ever seen grey Percherons. They have incredible docile personalities and, this is pretty cool, can be used as jumpers. Maybe that comes from them being first bred as war horses.
The Belgian is one of the four main breeds of draft horse used in Europe, the others being the Shire, the Clydesdale, and the Percheron. These are the draft horses I’ve seen the most. Especially at pulling competitions. They are big, sturdy, and reliable. Like all drafties, they have that great docile temperament (comes from being a cold-blooded horse rather than a hot-blooded horse like an Arabian or a Thoroughbred).
Which makes them an excellent choice to use in cross breeds. Those of you who’ve read my posts here know that I’ve owned a lot of mules in my life. Some of those mules were Belgian draft mules. They inherit the best qualities from both parents. From the donkey (or Jack) father, they get surefootedness, cleverness, and incredible endurance, not to mention those great ears! From their Belgian mother they get their size, coloring, strength, and easy temperament.
There are many more less common breeds of draft horses. But I can’t end this post without talking about miniature draft horses. Basically, a draft pony is a smaller version of one of the established draft horse breeds and must show the same conformation character of a draft horse. They also can’t be taller than 58 inches. Full disclosure, I’ve never seen a draft pony in person, but they look pretty adorable, and I think I want one.
Cathy McDavid has been penning Westerns for Harlequin since 2005. With over 55 titles in print and 1.6 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world seven years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.
I visited Peru and saw Peruvian Paso horse. They have a very unique gait.
That’s really cool, Debra!
I have been around Belgians, Percherons and haflingers all of my life. Currently own a 13 year old haflinger gelding!! And a big paint gelding too
I love Haflingers. I do think Belgians are my favorite, but all drafties are awesome horses.
Fascinating, Cathy. These horses are gorgeous!
Shared! (I can’t tag you on Facebook.)
Well, I just sent you a friend request :))))
Got it!! I’m good to go now. Ty!
What fun to read your post this morning. Thank you for the pictures too! I think you should get a miniature draft horse and then post a picture for all of us to see!
Wouldn’t that be fun. And a tiny cart for the horse to pull me around!
Interesting facts, loved the pictures!
Such gorgeous horses, aren’t they?
I was around horses for many years, but never been up close to a draft horse. they are so beautiful. hmmmm I feel a short vacation coming on. LOL thanks for sharing this post today
The true gentle giants of the horse world.
I’m in love with this post. I’ve never been able to have a horse of my own, but I’ve loved Percherons from the moment I first saw one. Thank you for sharing Cathy!
They are great horses. Just big teddy bears 🙂
These horses are beautiful.
I know, I just love them.
I’ve always wanted to see the Clydesdale in person, but I haven’t yet. Now, I want to see all of the breeds! I’m with you, that “little” miniature is adorable!!
Trudy, I saw the Clydesdales perform years ago, and they are impressive. They had some babies there that just stole my heart.
This is so interesting, Cathy. Some of these I’ve never heard of and assume you usually find them in Europe. Horses of all kinds are so beautiful and noble. Yet a few owners don’t fully appreciate them which is sad. They deserve all the love and respect we can give them. I’m sure these draft horses are quite expensive to keep. I can’t imagine their feed bill.
Yes, they eat a lot, as you can imagine. But such a sweet horse and wonderful with children.
I’m familiar with draft horses and have seen different breeds in person.
While Amish use a lot of mules for work, they use some draft horses.
When I took a carriage tour in Charleston, the carriage was pulled by a draft horse retired from farm work.
I saw the Budweiser Clydesdales at the 1984 World’s Fair in Knoxville. (There’s also a “team” of them outside the York, PA, distribution center–I think it’s fiberglass.)
I’ve always thought they’re beautiful. So different than the race horses I grew up seeing around Delaware and that are also bred here in Maryland.
When I was a kid, I saw some farm draft horses (probably cross-breeds) perform in pulling events. They can pull some heavy loads.
Wow, what beautiful horses! Thank you so much for sharing about them and for sharing the beautiful pics of them, they are all Beautiful! Our God is an Awesome God! I loved reading this post it is so very interesting. When I was a preteen and living at home our parents got us a horse and we named him Big Red, I have no idea what breed he was, he was just a beautiful and gentle horse. Have a Great day and Thank you so very much for this Awesome post.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Alicia. And, yes, they are truly beautiful and elegant creatures. My late father in law had a horse named Red, and I have a horse named Little Red in the book I’m writing now. Great name for a horse!
I love those horses. Especially the one in commercials during football season
Yes, Emma, some of those commercial can make me a little teary-eyed 🙂
Cathy, Thank you for this fascinating post! These horses are gorgeous. I’ve been around a Tennessee Walker.
Ooh, walking horses are very cool. Maybe a future post 🙂
These are some very beautiful horses, thanks for the post!
Thank you for stopping by, Connie 🙂
My sisters and I learned to ride, mostly bareback, on our two draft horses. They were crossbreed but mostly Belgian. My dad used them in the winter on the manure spreader because they could go when the snow was too much for the tractor. In the summer they were sometimes used to rake hay.The last two years we had them the most work they did was us riding them. We never did get the saddle horse we were supposed to get when the work horses were sold. They definitely had good dispositions.
I don’t know if they were officially draft ponies but some of the loggers in our area of the Adirondacks used ponies to move logs. They also participated in Pony Pulls, pulling events just like the big horses did.
Alice, thanks for sharing such great stories. I loved hearing about your Belgians. And pony pulls? I have to look into that 🙂
Wow! The horses are beautiful!! I really enjoyed reading all the information on these horses!!
So glad you liked the post, Kathleen 🙂
Thank you for an interesting post with lovely pictures. Horses have always intimidated me, probably due to the account of an accident my mother’s cousin had on a horse when they were young. I have been around Belgians and you are so right about their gentile nature. I never was nervous around them like I was around other horses. Belgians are my favorite, the gentle giants. The Friesians are the Fabio of horses. The Clydesdales and Shires are the handsome, reliable members of the family.
The Fabio of horses. I love that! Thanks for stopping by, Patricia 🙂
My dad had a Belgian American Standard cross he used as a buggy horse. He had Buck and his buggy at the County fair for years. He gave rides that raised money for the 4-H program in the county. The Kentucky Horse Park has an amazing collection of draft horses. I highly recommend a visit there.
Hi Beemama! Thanks for the great story of your dad’s horse. And now the Kentucky Horse Park is on my bucket list 🙂