Big Horse Breeds
Big horse breeds while most horse breeds fall within the average range, standing around 15 hands tall and weighing approximately 1,100 pounds, there exist a select few that belong to the largest horse breeds in the world. These majestic horses can reach heights exceeding 20 hands and weigh over 3,000 pounds.
Remarkably, despite their immense size, nearly all of these largest horse breeds are known for their coldblooded temperament. This means they are generally calm, gentle, and not easily startled.
1. Shire
This British horse breed typically appears in shades of gray, bay, or black, renowned for its remarkable height. Shires have held records for being both the largest and tallest horses globally at various times. They are highly esteemed for their exceptional pulling capabilities, which continue to be utilized in forestry work to this day.
For a Shire stallion to be registered, it must stand at least 17 hands tall, while geldings must reach a minimum of 16.2 hands and mares 16 hands. Stallions of this breed can weigh up to 2,400 pounds.
In 1924, at a pulling exhibition, a pair of Shire horses surpassed the reading on the dynamometer, estimated to have pulled a starting load of 45 tons. Their immense strength made them invaluable on farms, particularly in plowing tasks, before the advent of modern tractors.
Although Shires faced endangerment at one point, today they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity and numbers.
2. Clydesdale
Named after the region in Scotland they hail from, Clydesdales are characterized by their distinctive feathered legs often showcased in pulling and show events. They frequently exhibit the sabino gene, resulting in common white markings along their legs and noses.
Initially a small but robust breed, Clydesdales have evolved into taller horses over the past century through crossbreeding with other draft horses. Originally employed in agriculture, modern Clydesdales now excel in competitive events, serve as riding horses, and are favored by those who prefer traditional farming methods over modern technology. The most iconic Clydesdales are owned by the Budweiser brand.
3. Percheron
Originating from the Huisne River valley in France, Percherons differ from other draft horses in their neck and chest structure, partly due to the infusion of Arabian genetics in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Historically, this breed served predominantly as war horses until after World War I, valued for their calm temperament and protective nature.
The ideal size of a Percheron varies depending on the country’s registry. In France, the preferred height reaches up to 18 hands, with a weight limit of 2,600 pounds. In the US, Percherons can stand up to 19 hands tall, while British standards begin at 16 hands instead of 15.
In Europe, only gray or black Percherons are registered, whereas North America also accepts chestnut, roan, or bay coat colors.
4. Belgian Draft (Brabant)
The Belgian horse breed is not only one of the oldest maintained breeds worldwide but also among the largest. On average, Belgians stand between 16.2 to 17 hands tall and weigh around 2,000 pounds. Known for their robust build, they feature a compact head, thick neck, and broad shoulders, ideal for handling substantial pulling tasks.
One of the tallest horses globally is a Belgian named Big Jake, towering at 20.275 hands.
Historically, Belgian Draft horses played a crucial role in agriculture. As farming methods evolved, they transitioned into roles in shows, riding, and various agricultural tasks.
Unlike some other heavy draft breeds, the Belgian horse is neither rare nor endangered. In fact, it holds the title of the most popular draft horse breed in the United States, with a global population exceeding 100,000 individuals.
5. Dutch Draft
The Dutch Draft horse breed is a relatively recent addition to the equine world, developed after World War I to meet the heavy draft and farm work needs in the Netherlands. It originated from crossing a Belgian Draft with a Belgian Ardennes, with strict breeding regulations since 1925 requiring all horses to descend from registered parents.
Typically standing at 16 hands tall, Dutch Draft horses commonly display bay, gray, or chestnut coats. They are characterized by a distinct jawline, a straight profile, and a robust neck. Although their legs are shorter compared to other draft breeds, they are equally sturdy and capable.
6. American Cream
This is one of the rarest horse breeds worldwide today, and it’s the only draft horse developed in the United States that still exists, with fewer than 1,000 believed to be alive globally. Originating in Iowa, this breed features a refined head with a flat facial profile and a unique coat color.
Stallions and geldings typically stand above 16 hands and weigh at least 1,800 pounds, while mares range between 15 to 16 hands tall and weigh around 1,600 pounds.
The distinctive appearance of this breed is attributed to the Champagne gene, resulting in horses with pink skin, amber eyes, and a white mane and tail. Foals with a darker coat color that doesn’t meet the desired standards can still be recorded in an appendix registry but won’t qualify for the main registry.
7. Russian Heavy Draf
The Russian Heavy Draft horse, the shortest among heavy draft breeds, typically stands between 14 to 15 hands tall but weighs between 1,500 to 1,800 pounds when fully matured. Developed through a crossbreeding of Percheron, Ardennes, and Orlov Trotter breeds, it was officially recognized as a breed in 1952.
These horses continue to play crucial roles in agriculture, efficiently completing various farm tasks. Additionally, they are notable for their high milk production capacity, which is often collected and fermented to create a traditional drink known as “kumys.”
8. Suffolk
Suffolk horses typically stand between 16 to 17 hands tall and can weigh up to 2,200 pounds. They are exclusively chestnut in color, officially recognized as “chesnut” without the middle “t”. Various shades of chestnut are accepted, ranging from reddish hues to light or dark browns.
This breed boasts the oldest registry in English breed societies, with mentions dating back to 1586. Suffolks are also the oldest horse breed that retains its historical form to this day.
Genetic restrictions contribute to the rarity of this breed. While there are approximately 1,500 Suffolks in the United States, only around 300 remain in the UK. Breeding between horses from the US and the UK is prohibited due to differences in breeding practices, such as the occasional introduction of Belgians into the breed in the US.
9. Fjord
Although relatively small compared to some of the largest horse breeds, the Fjord horse possesses equal agility and strength. It ranks among the world’s oldest breeds and is favored as a harness horse and for riding due to its generally good temperament. The breed exhibits a uniform dun color with all white markings except for a forehead star, discouraging variations.
Ancestors of the modern Fjord horse are believed to have migrated to Norway over 4,000 years ago, where they were domesticated by local populations. Viking burial sites provide evidence of selective breeding of Fjord-like horses for nearly 2,000 years. Until World War II, they were primarily used as farm horses, renowned for their ability to navigate rugged terrain with ease.
10. Dole
While technically classified as a draft horse, Doles have seen influences from Arabian, Thoroughbred, and other breeds, altering their size and height compared to historical norms. Despite these changes, the average Dole weighs around 1,500 pounds and stands close to 16 hands tall.
Doles undergo rigorous studbook inspections, including tests of strength and agility. Lighter individuals within the breed must also pass leg x-rays to confirm freedom from defects. Today, they are often employed as racehorses.
In addition to Doles, several other large horse breeds deserve recognition, such as the Haflinger, Breton, Friesian, and Jutland.
The largest horse breeds have historically played crucial roles in human civilization’s growth and prosperity. While technological advancements have largely replaced their traditional work, these magnificent horses continue to fulfill various essential roles worldwide.
