5 Of The Biggest Horse Breeds In The World

Horses are impressive beasts in a multitude of ways. Compared to humans they are large and muscular and demand respect purely based on their size and power. But within the equine genus the sizes of horses vary greatly and certain breeds that were extra large and strong were extremely useful for farm work and found themselves being exported all around the world.

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Shire

Originating in England, the Shire horse is a large horse breed, in fact the biggest horse in the world was a Shire named Sampson.. They are known for their powerful build and impressive size, and can weigh up to 2,200 pounds and can stand up to 18 hands tall.

They are typically black, bay, or brown in color, and have a thick mane and tail.

Shire horses have a long history of being used for heavy work, such as plowing fields and hauling heavy loads. Their strength and endurance make them well-suited for this type of work. They were also used in the past as war horses and for carriage work.

Today, Shire horses are primarily used for show and pleasure riding, although some are still used for heavy work on farms. They are considered a rare breed, and are listed as "vulnerable" by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK. The breed's popularity is increasing again, as people appreciate their size and power, and their calm and gentle temperament.

Shire horses are known for their docile and easy-going nature, which makes them suitable for riders of all skill levels. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability. They are good at dressage, show jumping and carriage driving, and some are also ridden in endurance competitions.

Belgian Draft

Belgian Draft horses, also known as Belgian Heavy Horses, are a breed of draft horse that originated in Belgium after WWII.

They are known for their strength, intelligence, and docility, and are often used for heavy farm work and for pulling carriages and wagons. They have a distinctive appearance, with a thick, muscular body, a large head, and a thick, flowing mane and tail. They come in a variety of colors, including chestnut, bay, and gray.

They typically stand between 16 and 18 hands high at the shoulder and weigh between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds. They are incredibly strong, in fact two Belgian Draft horses were once recorded pulling 7,700 kg (17,000 pounds).

They are considered a hardy breed that can withstand harsh conditions and are known for their long lifespan. They are also used in equestrian sports such as dressage, show jumping and driving competitions. Fortunately, unlike some other horses on this list, the Belgian Draft horse is not at risk of extinction. 

Percheron

Percheron horses are a breed of draft horse that originated in the La Perche region of France. They are also among the strongest in terms of their pulling power and like most heavy horses are often used for heavy farm work, as well as for pulling carriages and wagons, and in equestrian sports such as dressage, show jumping, and driving competitions.

They have a distinctive appearance, with a strong, muscular body, a large head, and a thick, flowing mane and tail. They come in a variety of colors, including black, gray, and bay. T

hey typically stand between 15.2 and 17 hands high at the shoulder and weigh between 1,200 and 2,000 pounds. They are considered a hardy breed that can withstand harsh conditions and are known for their long lifespan.

Percheron horses were imported to the United States and Canada in large numbers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and have been used extensively in agriculture and transportation. Today, Percherons are still used in many of these traditional roles and also as show horses.

Clydesdale

Clydesdale horses are a breed of draft horse that originated in the Clyde River Valley in Scotland. They are known for their strength, power, and docility, and are often used for heavy farm work, as well as for pulling carriages and wagons, and in equestrian sports such as dressage, show jumping, and driving competitions.

They have a distinctive appearance, with a strong, muscular body, a large head, and a thick, flowing mane and tail. They come in a variety of colors, including bay, brown, and black. They are often easy to recognize due to their large 'white socks'. They are popular in America due to their being a symbol of Budweiser which uses teams of Clydesdales for promotional purposes and so they are most often associated with the beer.

They typically stand between 16 and 18 hands high at the shoulder and weigh between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Clydesdales were exported to other countries, including the United States and Canada, where they were used extensively in agriculture and transportation.

Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch, probably the coollest named horse on this list, is a breed of draft horse that originated in the county of Suffolk in East Anglia, England. They are known for their strength, power, and docility, and are often used for heavy farm work, such as plowing and hauling. They have a distinctive appearance, with a strong, muscular body, a large head, and a thick, flowing mane and tail. They are chestnut in color, with a flaxen mane and tail, and typically stand between 14.2 and 16 hands high at the shoulder and weigh between 1,500 and 1,800 pounds. 

Suffolk Punch horses were once used extensively in agriculture throughout England, but their numbers declined in the 20th century with the mechanization of farming and also due to heavy losses during the world wars. Today, the breed is considered endangered, with only a small number of breeding mares and stallions remaining.

The situation of the breed in the United States is a bit more positive. In the US, it is permissible to crossbreed with Belgian Drafts, while the British still forbid it. Consequently, they also forbid the crossbreeding of American Suffolk Punches.

Efforts are being made to preserve and promote the breed, and they are still used for heavy work on small farms and estates where their strength and stamina are appreciated. They are also used in equestrian sports such as carriage driving, show jumping, and dressage, and are increasingly being used in therapy programs because of their calm and gentle nature.