Belgian Horse Characteristics

Modern Belgians are expected to move well at the walk and the trot. For draft horses this means lifting the knees smartly in long, free, powerful srtides.

Conformation: Show and hitch horses often mature to over 17 hands and routinely weigh as much as 2,200 pounds. The profile is straight or slightly concave. The ears are small. The back is broad and short, and the croup is muscular, rounded, and massive. The body is deep and short. The legs are strong, lean, and sound, with some feathering at the fetlock. The feet are large and well shaped.

Color: In North America, the most prize look is a chestnut or sorrel horse with a white mane and tail, four white stockings, and a blaze. Within these colors, horses with considerable roaning and highly dappled horses are common. Bays, blacks and greys aren't as common but are still accepted.