Descriptions of the largest horse breeds and famous record holders for height and weight
Mighty and strong horses remain in demand today for agricultural work. Especially in farms located in remote areas. The largest horses have remarkable strength and endurance and were indispensable in the Middle Ages in a knightly environment. Today, several breeds of heavy draft horses have retained their popularity and demand, the genealogies of which originate from medieval war horses.
What are the large breeds?
The horses of the French, Belgian and British lines are considered to be the most widespread heavy draft horses. In Russia, large horse breeds began to be bred in the 19-20 centuries. The practice of crossing Ardens heavy draft horses and local draft horses was widespread.
Brabancon
The Belgian heavy truck is considered one of the oldest breeds. Thanks to its endurance and hard work, the animal was actively used both in farms and in the cavalry troops. Horses are distinguished by a friendly disposition, not capricious in nutrition (but require a plentiful diet) and do not need special care. Parameters of heavy trucks: height at the withers - 160-175 cm, weight - 800-1000 kg. Structural features: compact body with a muscular torso, strong croup, short legs. There are suits: bay, white, red, golden red with black markings.
Arden
The ancestors of the breed were forest horses; during the selection process, the blood of Arabian horses, Brabancons was added. The peculiarities of the maintenance, the poor nutrition of the pastures of the highlands of the Ardennes contributed to the development of the endurance of short horses. Today, Ardens are bred by meat producers (the horse weighs, on average, 1000 kg). Due to their calm, hardworking nature, animals are also used in agricultural work, for horseback riding.
Arden horses are distinguished by a massive muscular physique (height at the withers - 150-165 cm), short back and short strong legs with strong joints (there are hair growths on the fetlock joints). Common colors: gray, roan, red, bay, dark bay.
Percheron
The famous breed was developed in the French province of Perche. Powerful animals showed a good trot, therefore they were used to transport heavy loads, massive postal carriages. Percherons were in demand all over the world due to their elegant exterior, extraordinary strength and endurance.
Breed characteristics:
- height at the withers - 1.6-1.7 m;
- body weight - 700-900 kg;
- long and firm croup, deep chest and powerful forearms, muscular legs with strong sinews, thick and luxurious mane.
The predominant color is gray, but there are roans, red. The Percherons have a docile and calm disposition. Horses are unusually intelligent and therefore exhibit high learning abilities.
Russian heavy truck
The breed received its official registration in 1952 (the result of crossing the Ardens and draft horses of Russian breeds). Small, muscular horses (height at the withers - 150-155 cm) are distinguished by a submissive temperament, exhibiting excellent traction qualities. It is noteworthy that the Russian heavy truck is capable of pulling a load, the mass of which is several times the weight of an animal.
Horses are unpretentious in keeping, differ in milk productivity. Mares give large volumes of milk, from which they produce rare varieties of cheese, kumis. Russian heavy trucks are cold resistant and indispensable when working on uneven terrain.
Vladimirsky heavy truck
The breed was recognized as a purebred in 1946 (English Clydesdalese heavy trucks served as the basis for selection). The Vladimir heavy draft truck stands out for its massive build, high growth at the withers (165-170 cm), a large head with a convex profile, strong legs, thick mane and tail. The most common colors are bay, black or red.
The character of the horse harmoniously combines a balanced disposition and activity. Horses perform well in field work, are often used as animal-drawn transport. Lovers of long and calm horse rides appreciate these heavy trucks. Therefore, the breed is in demand among firms offering triplets or horseback riding in city parks.
Scottish clydesdale
Despite their large dimensions (weight at the withers - 1.75-1.83 cm, weight - about 1000 kg), horses are distinguished by a harmonious constitution and attractive exterior. Distinctive features: short, large and muscular body, massive straight legs, long and thick mane with a tail. The predominant colors are red, bay, roan. Animals tolerate harsh climatic conditions but are sensitive to dampness.
Horse lovers appreciate the Clydesdale breed for its docile disposition, ability to work, and a bright exterior. Thanks to their light gait, horses are frequent participants in parade demonstrations. The endurance of horses is a sought-after quality that farmers appreciate. Strong horses are indispensable in farms located in mountainous areas.
Shire
Horses of the British breed are distinguished by their high stature - on average, 180 cm, sometimes they grow up to 219 cm. Body features: a short and strong back, a wide chest, a long curved neck, sloping shoulders. The weight of some individuals reaches one and a half tons. There are different colors: gray, roan, bay, black, red. A special advantage of the breed is the organic combination of the working qualities of racehorses and heavy draft horses. Shires are popular participants in all kinds of competitions. Active horses easily learn to ride and tolerate long walks. Shires need regular physical activity. Due to the long hair on the legs, animal stalls should always be kept dry to prevent disease.
Important! Animals have a calm disposition, but do not tolerate rudeness in treatment.
Record-holders, famous for their large dimensions
A massive physique and great strength are the main advantages of heavy draft horses. Such animals are always of interest to horse breeders and the public. The most famous horses in the world:
- The undefeated record holder is a Shire heavy draft horse named Mammoth (at birth Sampson). The unique horse had a weight of 1520 kg, height at the withers - 2.19 m;
- from the Brabancon breed, the stallion Brooklyn Highest became famous with the parameters: weight 1451 kg, height at the withers - 1.98 m. To shoe a horse, horseshoes with a diameter of 35.5 cm, weighing 3.4 kg (each) were used;
- among the Percherons, the Moroccan stallion took the lead (weight - 1285 kg, height at the withers - 215 cm);
- also famous is Shire named Digger. The famous horse has a weight of 1200 kg, its height at the withers reaches 198 cm.
The heaviest heavy horse is the Big Jake Brabancon with a weight of 2600 kg. The giant has a height of 217 cm at the withers, yielding a few centimeters to the famous Mammoth. Big Jake is a frequent guest on talk shows, taking part in paid performances in different parts of the world.
Horses of strong and tall breeds have been reliable companions and helpers of people since ancient times. Of course, earlier, above all, the working qualities of animals were valued. The horses had to tolerate serious physical activity and long-distance travels well. Today, however, the beauty and grace of strong animals are of great admiration.
