Hold your horses before you impulsively choose a horse! First, let’s gallop into the world’s largest horse breed known for their majestic stature and impressive strength. Let’s discover the remarkable qualities that make them true giants among horses. You might find one of them as a perfect companion for you!
1. Shire
- Weight: 2,400 lbs
- Height: 19 hands
- Origin: United Kingdom
I’m pretty sure whenever you hear the words largest horse breeds, the image of shire horses immediately pops into your head. Well, guess what? You’re right on the money! Shire horses are the largest and tallest horse breeds in the world, with a weight of 2,400 pounds and 19 hands tall in height on average.
The tallest among all the draft horses, shire horses originated from the United Kingdom with a long history, dating back to medieval England. They’re even said to be the ancestor of the great horse. They served as war horses during the Middle Ages carrying knights into the battlefield valiantly. Aside from that, the Shire stallion were popularly used for pulling carriages as well as for farm work.
With their immense strength and power, they’re used for pulling heavy loads and agricultural work. They’re mainly plowing fields, and towing barges and carts. As a matter of fact, famous breweries still use them for hauling bottles of beer in the UK today. Did you know that in 1924, a shire horse named Vulcan was clocked at pulling a load of 29 tons single-handedly? A world record! Now that is impressive!
The Shire breed is known for its intelligence and trainability. These gentle giants are calm and patient with an easygoing nature making them great therapy horses. They’re also an excellent choice for riders of every level of expertise, especially for pleasure riding.
2. Clydesdale
- Weight: 2,200 lbs
- Height: 18 hands
- Origin: Scotland
One of the largest horse breeds, Clydesdale horses originated in Clyde River Valley in Scotland. Born from Flemish stallions mated with local mares in the 18th century and were further refined with the shire horse in the 19th century, making them larger and more powerful. Sadly, the modern-day Clydesdale horses are smaller than they originally were, weighing about 2,200 pounds with a height of 18 hands.
It’s famous in America as a symbol of Budweiser – a brewing company. Were you aware that this very lager company has a set-up breeding program with strict color and conformation standards? Budweiser Clydesdale horses have a brown coat and large white socks. Due to their popularity, you’d think they’re always supposed to look like that when originally, they come in various colors. That’s right! Not just brown but bay and black too.
Clydesdale horses not only have an impressive size but a strong muscular body as well. Like Shire horses, they’re used for heavy hauling in farm work and transport as carriage horses and pulling heavy loads and wagons. They’re even drafted by the military and serve as drum horses in the cavalry. Because of their gentle nature, they’re all-time favorites during public events, therapeutic horseback riding programs, and leisure riding. They also participate in equestrian sports such as dressage, show jumping, carriage driving, and pulling competitions.
3. Percheron
- Weight: 2,600 lbs
- Height: 18 hands
- Origin: France
Originating from La Perche region in France, the Percheron is one of the large draft breeds that was originally bred as war horses. They served as soldiers or helped with the artillery during the world wars. This breed is a powerful and heavy horse standing about 18 hands and weigh 2,600 pounds. With its large muscles, stocky legs, and wide chest, its pulling power makes it one of the strongest among the other horses.
Despite its enormous size, Percherons are intelligent and agile creatures. Plus, their adaptability makes them suitable for a number of tasks which is why they’re great for forestry and farm work. They also make outstanding stagecoaches given their smooth movements. They take part in equestrian sports as well like show jumping, driving competitions, and dressage.
Nowadays, they’re famous in parades and for being show horses. They’re even being crossed with lighter breeds in order to make a more sportier type, becoming excellent jumpers and wonderful pleasure horses. Did you happen to know that Percheron horses trot for nearly 40 miles daily? Talk about regular exercise!
4. Belgian Draft
- Weight: 1,900 lbs
- Height: 17 hands
- Origin: Belgium
As the name suggests, the Belgian draft horse originated in Belgium after World War II. Weighing 1,900 pounds on average with a height of 17 hands it’s considered as one of the heavy horses with distinctive characteristics: a thick flowing mane and tail, a muscular body and lower legs, and a large head. They’re mostly used for pulling carriages, cargo, sleighs, and even plowing for farm work.
Surprisingly, modern Belgian horses of this breed are much bigger than they used to be about 100 years ago as opposed to Clydesdales. And, have you heard of Big Jake? A Belgian draft horse, a gelding that officially became the tallest living horse in the Guinness World Records on January 19, 2010, reaching 20 hands and 2.75 inches tall!
5. Suffolk Punch
- Weight: 2,200 lbs
- Height: 17 hands
- Origin: England
One of the oldest and largest horse breeds, the Suffolk Punch was even believed by some to be the oldest breeds one there is as its first ever mention was recorded in 1586. As the name implies, Punch is an old English word meaning short which is evident in the horse’s characteristics, weighing 2,200 pounds and standing around 17 hands tall.
Yes, Suffolk Punch horses are short as opposed to other big horses on the list but they have a stocky build. They always come in chestnut color with a large head, muscular body, and a flaxen mane and tail. They’re powerful horses with an unmatched stamina making them great farm workers. They also used to transport artilleries during the wars.
Here’s a fun fact: Existing Suffolk Punch horses today can be traced back to a single stallion – Crisp’s Horse. They originated from the East Anglian county of Suffolk in England and are participants in equestrian sports such as carriage driving, dressage, and show jumping. They’re also being used more and more for therapy programs because of their calm and gentle nature.
6. American Cream Draft
- Weight: 2,000 lbs
- Height: 16 hands
- Origin: United States of America
Known as the only draft horse that originated in the United States of America, The American Cream Draft is not just one of the large horse breeds but is also a rare one, with a height of 16 hands and weight of 2,000 pounds. In the horse world, the American Cream Draft is valued for its beauty with a size as impressive as its beautiful cream-colored coat, white flowing mane and tail, and striking gold or amber eyes. Among the biggest horse breeds, it’s so rare and unique that only a few of them exist today – mostly as show horses.
7. Dutch Draft
- Weight: 1,600 lbs
- Height: 16 hands
- Origin: Netherlands
One of the biggest horse breeds but not among the tall horses, the Dutch draft has a stocky build and mostly comes with an ebony coat, speckled with gray and black. It has a broad chest, perfect for pulling carriages, heavily feathered legs covering the hooves, and rather relatively small eyes and ears for its massive size.
Originating in the Netherlands with a weight of 1,600 pounds and height of 16 hands on average, Dutch draft horses are one of the strongest draught horses of the British breed. Bred from Belgian draft horses and other Dutch horses, they’re heavy horses that were traditionally used for labor and farm work due to their fantastic endurance. And like the other largest horses, they too served during the world wars. Their majestic appearance, calm, and quiet disposition, make them great for trail riding as well.
From the towering drafts to magnificent warhorses! These equine giants have already left an indelible mark on history yet they continue to inspire awe today. From plowing fields to carrying knights into battle, their contributions are definitely as vast as their size, with a world record even! The next time you encounter one of these, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the legacy that they carry and the awe-inspiring presence they bring to our world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is the tallest horse, the Shire horse or the Clydesdale horse?
You’d think the Clydesdale is the largest horse there is but not if you’ve heard of the majestic Shire horse. The Clydesdale horse is usually 18 hands tall and weighs 2,200 pounds on average while the Shire horse breed reaches 19 hands and weighs around 2,400 pounds and more!
What’s the largest horse breeds?
The largest horse breed in the world is none other than the Shire horse. It’s a draft horse that’s also dubbed as a gentle giant among the biggest horse breeds. Have you heard of the foal that was born during the 19th century, more specifically in 1846, a shire named Sampson which was later changed to Mammoth? He’s a large shire gelding – the largest there’s ever been – who reached 21.25 hands (7 ft 2.5 in) tall and weighed 3,359 pounds (1,524 kg) leaving a mark in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s biggest horse – both the largest and tallest horse.
What is the largest breed of warhorse?
Several horses among the biggest horse breed used to serve during the wars but when it comes to warhorses, none of them beats the Percheron – a breed of horse that was originally bred as warhorses. With its muscular build, broad chest, and sturdy legs, the Percheron breed exudes power that’s perfectly suited for the rigors of battle.
Can you ride a Dutch draft horse?
Yes, Dutch draft horses can be ridden! Although massive in size, the Dutch Draft has a calm temperament and kind nature that make them ideal choices for riding. Keep in mind that they’re not as popularly ridden as the others so you should ensure that proper training and equipment is utilized for the safety and comfort of both you and the horse.
What is the strongest horse?
The Belgian horse, more specifically the Belgian draft horse, is the strongest among all horse breeds. Known for their impressive size and power, interestingly, Belgian horses also help as a fisherman’s hand on the coasts of Belgium – a tradition that’s been going on for 500 years. Apparently, they drag nets behind them to capture shrimps and crabs during low tides. Given their huge strides, they make this work easy. Plus, their gentle temperament, intelligence, and calm demeanor make them perfect for the job!
What is the smallest breed of horse?
Impressed with the biggest horse breed? Now let’s check out the smallest breed of horse there is – the Falabella foals! Originated from Argentina, this unique and rare breed stands under 8 hands tall at the withers making it one of the smallest breeds of horses in the world. They require gentle handling and proper care. They’re adorable, curious, and energetic, and as they grow older, they can be trained for various equestrian disciplines or simply be your wonderful companions.