Flanders or Flemish Draft Horse

Country of Origin: Belgium
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The Brabant, or Belgian Heavy Draught (Draft) Horse, is one of the most influential and, in its day, the most famous of the European heavy horse breeds. Known during the Middle Ages as the Flanders Horse, it played a considerable role in the development of heavy breeds such as the Clydesdale, the Shire, and the Suffolk Punch. In addition, it was probably used, centuries ago, to increase the size of the forerunners of the Irish Draught.

The principal influence in the evolution of the massive, modern Shire was the heavy Flemish or Flanders Horse. During the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, Dutch contractors draining the English Fenlands brought with them their strong horses. These crossed with the English stock. The Friesian is another influence which gave the English Blacks a better movement. During the reign of Charles II, the King's Household Cavalry were still mounted on the Old English Black.