The Brabant Horse is a magnificent breed that originated in the Brabant region of Belgium. Often confused with the Belgian Draft Horse, Belgian horses are related but slightly different. Brabant horses are a heavy draft breed and some of the world's tallest and largest horse breeds. The gentle and willing horse breed's rich history dates back centuries and has significantly influenced agriculture, transportation, and horse sports.
Brabant Horse Origin
Brabant horses are believed to be descendants of the Destrier horses, which were medieval war horses. Brabants were bred for agricultural work as heavy draft horses with outstanding pulling power.
In the 1800s, the European Brabant was exported to the Americas as a working horse and subsequently American Brabants were bred to have lighter characteristics and non-feathered legs. In Europe, they remained a traditional draft horse with lush feathers.
Other heavy draft breeds, including the Flemish horse and the Belgian draft horse, were developed from Brabant stock. Until the 1940s, the Brabant and Belgian draft breeds were almost identical, but after that point, breeders selected Belgians to be taller and lighter, and the Brabants were bred to be thicker and heavier.
Brabant Horse Size
The muscular Brabant stallions and geldings stand between 16 and 17 hands high and weigh as much as 1350 kg, while mares stand 14 to 15 hands high and weigh as much as 900 kg. Their broad backs, deep girth, and strong legs make them ideal workhorses. They have a shorter neck, with a wide face that sports a kind and generous eye.
Photo: Brabant horse FB
Their manes and tails are long and thick. Many draft breeds dock their tails to prevent interference with the heavy equipment they pull; however, that practice is now banned in parts of the world.
A Brabant's legs are heavily feathered, which drape over their large hooves. Their immense size requires broad, strong hooves to support their weight in work in varied terrain.
Brabant Horse Colors
The most common color for a Brabant is chestnut, which may vary from light gold to darker shades like liver chestnut.
Roan coloring is often present in Brabant horses. Roan is a mixture of gray hairs with a base color that creates new colors. Three shades of roan are seen: blue roan with a black base and white hair, bay roan with dark red and white hair, and red roan with lighter reds and white hair.
You will also see gray Brabant horses, whose color changes from dark gray and dappled to lighter gray as they age.
Solid white markings on faces and legs add to an individual horse's unique beauty.
How Much Does a Brabant Horse Cost?
Like any horse, the price will depend on age, training, health, and bloodlines. Importing a Brabant from the Americas or Europe will also add costs. Finding a reputable breeder and trainer is always a wise decision when purchasing a horse.
Can You Ride a Brabant Horse?
Yes, you can ride Brabants! However, they are not suited for fast paced disciplines; such as racing, show jumping and eventing.
The gentle nature of these horses makes them ideal riding mounts for pleasure, trail riding, and driving. Many educational and therapeutic riding centers feature Brabants as their calmness and comfortable gaits work well in these settings.
Brabant horses stand out as a remarkable breed due to their history and modern versatility.
