Brabanson
Brabancon (or Belgian draft) is an ancient breed of draft horses, whose ancestors were Flemish horses. Brabancon is a national treasure of Belgium: they have an almost perfect exterior for heavy trucks and a magnificent character, obedient and calm. Brabancons are very hardworking and affectionate.
In the photo: a horse of the Brabancon breed with a foal
Contents
History of the Brabancon horse breed
Belgian horses, the ancestors of the Brabancons, were famous in ancient times. But in the course of history, the Brabancon horse breed has undergone many changes, as the requirements for horses have constantly changed. For example, in the Middle Ages, heavy, strong horses were valued, suitable for transporting knights in armor. After the invention of gunpowder, more mobile and lighter horses were required, but the peasants still needed heavy trucks. And the development of industry and trade only strengthened the demand for strong horses. Since the 90s of the 19th century, Belgian breeders began to systematically improve the Belgian Brabancon heavy truck, setting out to get massive, large, hardy horses. In 1885, the Society for the Improvement of Belgian Horses was created, which published a single stud book (studbook) for the Brabancons. In 1900, the studbook was closed, that is, horses whose ancestors were no longer registered in the studbook were not entered into it.
In the photo: a horse of the Brabancon breed Of great importance for the improvement of the Brabancon breed were the annual horse shows in Brussels. The valuable qualities of the Brabancon became the reason for the enormous popularity of these horses both at home and abroad. The Brabancon, a cross between the Arden and the Flemish horse, is the most suitable for the requirements that apply to a working horse. Brabancon horses are bred not only in Belgium, but also in France, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, as well as in North and South America.
In the photo: a horse of the Brabancon breed with a foal
Description of Brabancon horses
Brabancons are rather large horses of a powerful physique. The height at the withers of the Brabancon is 168 – 173 cm, but there are also Brabancons higher than 180 cm at the withers. Brabancon mass – 800 – 1000 kg. These are real giants, at the same time very obedient and phlegmatic. The head of Brabancon seems light compared to the body, the forehead is wide, the profile is straight, the eyes are large and beautiful. The neck is short, strong. The chest is powerful, deep. The back is not very long. The croup of Brabancon is wide and forked. The legs of the Brabancons are short, but at the same time dry, decorated with small brushes. The hooves are strong. The main colors of the Brabancon horses are: red, roan, light bay. Less common are black, nightingale, buckskin and gray horses.
Brabancons can run at a fairly energetic and fast trot.
A rather harsh life in the course of history tempered the Brabancon horses and made them unpretentious to the conditions of their maintenance. Brabancon horses are calm and kind, very hardworking and affectionate. When crossed with other breeds, Brabancons steadily pass on their valuable qualities to offspring.
In the photo: a horse of the Brabancon breed of red color
The use of Brabancon horses
Brabancon horses are still widely used where heavy agricultural equipment cannot be used. In Europe, Brabancons are extremely popular as farm horses due to their strength, endurance, calm disposition and unpretentiousness.
In the photo: horses of the Brabancon breed Brabancons were also used to breed other breeds of horses: the Soviet draft, Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk and Dutch horses.
