562 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Draft Breeds Draft horses are the historical powerhouses of the horse world. These animals have primarily been used to pull carts and farm equipment. Their large size defies their general calm disposition. Hyjak Legacy Lady - Hyjak Legacy’s Supreme Lady, M124671, Registered Belgian mare shown by Oak Haven Belfians, DOB: 3/10/2001 Belgian. Belgian horses originated in Belgium in the 1800s. These horses were bred specifically to be thicker bodied and heavier boned. They stand between 16 and 17.3 hands and have thick muscular chests, heavy bone, and strong loins and hindquarters. They are most commonly seen with a reddish brown (sorrel) body and a gold or tan (flaxen) mane and tail. These horses are often used for pulling carts and wagons, and are also used in horse weight-pulling competitions. Muskoka Stock Photos/Shutterstock.com Clydesdale. Clydesdales originated in Scotland where they were used as farm horses. These horses are generally brown with a black mane and tail (bay), and have white markings on their legs and face. They are also well-known for having excess hair, or feathering, on their lower legs. Clydesdales typically mature between 17 and 18 hands, and weigh between 1,600 and 2,400 lb. They are used for pulling carts and wagons and in horse-pulling competitions, although some people use them for pleasure riding as well. On Behalf of Horse Photos Percheron. Percheron horses originated in France, where they were used as war horses, for farm work, and for carriage pulling. They are usually black or gray in color, although they may be found in other colors. They typically stand between 16.2 and 17.3 hands tall and weigh an average of 1,900 lb. These horses are known for exceptional muscling in their lower thighs, allowing them to pull heavy loads over long distances. These horses are still used in farming applications in some areas, as well as being used as cart and wagon horses. 2014 National Grand Champion Shire Mare, courtesy of Jenson Shires, Blair, NE Shire. Shire horses are a minimum of 16.2 hands and average 17.1 hands. The ideal Shire should have a broad head, sloping shoulders, deep girth, and a strong short back. They should have heavy bone and large feet. Shires are most desirable in brown, bay, black, or gray. These horses are especially known for their ability to move large amounts of weight over short distances and are commonly used in horse-pulling competitions.