Ursula the Belgian Horse
Ursula is a member of the Eastern Counties Heavy Horse Association (ECHHA) Display Team that was displaying at the 2022 Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally.
Originating from the Brabant region of Belgium, it is theoretically possible that the Belgian may have had ancestors that were 'destriers' (war horses) in the Middle Ages, although no independent evidence supports this claim. The foundation stock for the Belgian was originally known as the Brabant, other names for essentially the same breed include the Cheval de trait Belge, Brabançon, and Belgisch Trekpaard. Until the 1940's, the Belgian and the Brabant were essentially the same breed but following World War II the Brabant in was selectively bred to be thicker bodied and heavier, while the Belgian was bred to be somewhat taller and lighter bodied.
A male Belgian stands between 16.2 to 17 hands (66 to 70 in. - 167 to 178 cm) and a female stands 15.2 to 16 hands (62 to 66 - 157 to 167 cm). On average a male Belgian grows to weigh slightly over 2,000 lb. (900 kg) with a female weighing 1,550 lb. (700 kg).
The breed is compact and muscular, powerful and strong. The head is relatively small and well shaped, its body is heavy, it's back is broad and the legs are short and strong.
Belgian horses are intelligence and they are also known for being docile, kind, quiet, and willing to please. They are hard working animals that are loyal, easy to handle, and friendly to their human companions.
The number of Belgian horses declined after World War II, thanks to industrialization and mechanization, but their numbers have been increasing in modern times. These animals are still often utilized for draught work that includes pulling carts, carriages or sleighs as well as logging. The horse is also suitable for riding.
Ursula the Belgian Horse
Ursula is a member of the Eastern Counties Heavy Horse Association (ECHHA) Display Team that was displaying at the 2022 Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally.
Originating from the Brabant region of Belgium, it is theoretically possible that the Belgian may have had ancestors that were 'destriers' (war horses) in the Middle Ages, although no independent evidence supports this claim. The foundation stock for the Belgian was originally known as the Brabant, other names for essentially the same breed include the Cheval de trait Belge, Brabançon, and Belgisch Trekpaard. Until the 1940's, the Belgian and the Brabant were essentially the same breed but following World War II the Brabant in was selectively bred to be thicker bodied and heavier, while the Belgian was bred to be somewhat taller and lighter bodied.
A male Belgian stands between 16.2 to 17 hands (66 to 70 in. - 167 to 178 cm) and a female stands 15.2 to 16 hands (62 to 66 - 157 to 167 cm). On average a male Belgian grows to weigh slightly over 2,000 lb. (900 kg) with a female weighing 1,550 lb. (700 kg).
The breed is compact and muscular, powerful and strong. The head is relatively small and well shaped, its body is heavy, it's back is broad and the legs are short and strong.
Belgian horses are intelligence and they are also known for being docile, kind, quiet, and willing to please. They are hard working animals that are loyal, easy to handle, and friendly to their human companions.
The number of Belgian horses declined after World War II, thanks to industrialization and mechanization, but their numbers have been increasing in modern times. These animals are still often utilized for draught work that includes pulling carts, carriages or sleighs as well as logging. The horse is also suitable for riding.