Among horse breeds, some stand out for their remarkable size and power. Called draft horses or draught horses in some regions, the world’s largest horse breeds have played a crucial role in agriculture and transportation throughout history.
Shire Horses
Originating from England, the Shire horse is known for its large size and gentle disposition. Shires are among the tallest horse breeds in the world, standing at an average height of 17 to 19 hands, with some animals like Sampson exceeding 20 hands.
Historically people have used the Shire breed for pulling heavy carts and plowing fields.
Belgian Heavy Drafts
Belgian draft horses, also known as Belgian heavy drafts, are another breed people celebrate for their massive size and pulling capabilities. Originating from Belgium, these big horses typically stand between 16 and 17 hands high, although some animals, such as Big Jake, may reach even greater heights.
Belgian horses are known for being sturdy and having a calm temperament, making them ideal for agricultural work and hauling heavy loads.
Clydesdale, Percheron and Suffolk Punch Horses
Other large horses include the Clydesdale, originally from Scotland; the Percheron horse from the Perche region of France; and the Suffolk Punch horses, England’s oldest draft horse breed.
Throughout the ages, the imposing stature of these horses, combined with their intelligence and gentle demeanors, has made them popular for pulling carts and carriages, appearing in parades and shows, and doing agricultural work, such as various tasks in farming and logging.
This article was created in conjunction with AI technology, then was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
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