Selected breeds of heavy horses

name origin height (hands)* aptitude characteristics comments

Belgian (Belgian horse), also called Brabant Belgium 15.3–17 heavy draft, farm work broad and powerful; small, square head; short, heavy neck with sloping shoulders; short back with well-rounded, massive hindquarters; the American Belgian is typically chestnut and sorrel with a flaxen mane and tail ancient breed; matures quickly; long-lived

Clydesdale Scotland 16.1–18 heavy draft, farm work lighter build than most heavy breeds; fine head with long, well-arched neck; withers higher than croup; lower legs are heavily feathered noted for the soundness of its legs and feet; noted for high-stepping gait

Percheron France 16 draft, farm work typically gray or black in colour; fine head with broad forehead; wide chest with prominent breastbone; no feathering on legs ancient breed; heavily influenced by Arabian breed; long and low action distinguishes it from other heavy breeds

Shire England 17 (sometimes reaching 19) heavy draft, farm work convex profile; relatively long neck; long, sloping shoulders; short back with sloping croup; legs heavily feathered below the knee world's largest horse; descended from England's "great horse," the massive charger used in medieval jousting tournaments

*1 hand = 4 inches (10.16 cm)